5 Strategies to Mitigate the Clamor of Motherhood

Pregnant woman bellyhome insemination kit

Updated: Aug. 22, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 7, 2011

As a stay-at-home mom, my life is accompanied by the delightful sounds of my children’s laughter and their sweet proclamations of love. However, there are moments when the atmosphere turns chaotic, with four little ones clamoring for my attention, speaking over one another, and indulging in a variety of ear-piercing antics. This auditory overload can elevate my anxiety levels and leave me yearning for peace.

Even my attempts to steal a moment of solitude in the bathroom are often thwarted, as one or more children manage to find me, either through the door or by asking questions if I leave it unlocked. Despite my efforts to teach them about personal space and boundaries, their eagerness to be near me often trumps any lessons I’ve tried to impart. The silence never lasts long; as soon as one child quiets down, another steps in to fill the void. In these desperate times, I’ve devised several strategies to make the noise more manageable:

1. Utilizing the Garbage Disposal

Sometimes, the best way to combat noise is to create more of it. Turning on the garbage disposal allows me to feign ignorance about my children’s chatter, as I can pretend I can’t hear them over the sound of the grinding. Just a note: this tactic is most effective if you’re already in the kitchen, as maintaining a semblance of believability is crucial.

2. The “What Was That Noise?” Approach

When multiple kids start talking at once, I often employ this technique. By raising my hand and adopting a puzzled expression, I announce, “Wait! Did anyone else hear that? SHHH! I’m trying to identify that sound!” This usually prompts them to listen intently, giving me a precious minute or two of peace as they engage in the search for the mysterious noise.

3. Movie Time

There are occasions when I lean into modern technology to find relief. While I strive to limit screen time, I recognize that a well-timed movie can be a game changer. Selecting a film that they haven’t seen in a while, like Despicable Me, provides me with an opportunity to catch my breath while they are glued to the screen, captivated by the storyline.

4. Snack Time for Distraction

In our household, we have a strict “no talking with a mouth full” rule. When I offer snacks, their focus shifts from incessant questioning to munching, and the only sound is the soft crunching of treats. The types of snacks I use depend on how desperate I feel; grapes or Goldfish crackers provide mild distraction, while popsicles, which are eaten outside, are my go-to when I sense a potential meltdown.

5. Engaging with Chores

When the barrage of questions, like “Why are lemons yellow?” or “Does my pillow smell like feet?” becomes overwhelming, I switch gears and inquire about the state of their rooms. I remind them that their chores must be completed before we head out to the pool or other fun activities, effectively redirecting their energy into productive tasks.

Although these methods may not completely eliminate the constant din of motherhood, they serve to distract my children momentarily and help maintain my sanity until I can enjoy a well-deserved moment of quiet.

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In summary, while motherhood can often feel like a cacophony, employing these strategies allows for moments of reprieve amidst the delightful chaos.


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