Tuesday, January 8, 2008

How to take a break from the Chaos (aka noise and lots of it)

Dear friends, it is been far too long since I've written anything. I suppose many of you have ceased to even check this blog. That's okay. Our December was quite busy, as I imagine yours was as well. The days have been long; full of joy and frustration, often simultaneously. But, I suppose that's the way with little ones. I have been at a crossroads in regards to training my children in how to conduct themselves in the presence of adult company.

My natural tendency is to flee from the old "children should be seen and not heard." But, sometimes (actually, most of the time), that leaves no opportunity for adult conversation. I want for my little ones to feel like they are loved and included in the conversation, but they often attempt to dominate it. Where is the balance? When they are excited to see their soon-to-be new aunt, should not I allow them to talk to her? However, when shall I ever have the chance to converse with her?

I believe I have found the answer to these questions in the oddest of places. I made my discovery at Chic Fillet. My husband and I were sitting in the booth nearest the plexiglass wall of the play area observing our three oldest children. They seemed so adorable and precious through that sound proof wall. And, in that booth we were able to enjoy the happy coos of our newborn while carrying on an uninterrupted conversation.

Wow, sometimes I just don't even realize how much the noise is getting to me until I take a break from it. Silence is golden. And plexiglass is good.

Happy New Year, everyone.

10 comments:

  1. Glad you're back...and REALLY good post!

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  2. Hooray for Chick-Fil-A!

    I wish they had one like that in our area!

    There was a similar setup at our local McDonalds and then they took down the awesome play structure and replaced it with a toddler version - which leaves the "big" kids left out. They also took down the plexiglass.

    It's certainly difficult being torn between needing to spend time with your husband but not wanting to neglect time with children, or family time.

    Sometimes these ideals seem mutually exclusive. If we go to a restaurant, trying to satisfy the need to get OUT of the house AND have family time, I spend half the time in the restaurant bathroom with potty-training children. Spending the majority of the time in a stinky public bathroom, repeatedly saying, "stop looking under the stall and go to the bathroom! mommy's food is getting cold!" takes the fun out of going out for dinner.

    ...Not to mention, sometimes it's hard to find a good babysitter - someone who is actually nurturing your children, vs. merely keeping them alive - while you're out on a date, which makes for feelings of guilt the whole time you're out!

    This post was an encouragement to me. Relieved to hear it's not just me feeling this way. You've inspired me to find a place where the kids can play while my husband and I eat. Thanks!

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  3. amen- it makes me think about after i put all three in the sound-proof mini-van. all might be crying/talking nonstop- but for a second, all the doors are closed... and it's quiet, until i get into the car to drive. glad to see you're back. guess i should start blogging again too. it's been crazy around here as well.

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  4. I struggle with the same thing. I wish we had a Chick-Fil-a. Glad you were able to enjoy some quiet time.

    Silence is, indeed, golden.

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  5. I understand and I just have one child. What will I ever do w/more? Ah, if we could only have a plexiglass playground in our homes. :-)

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  6. Isn't it amazing how times change- could you ever have imagined *appreciating* a half hour of conversation, with a baby present, at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant? ;) A blessing, nonetheless.

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  7. This article reminded me of your post:

    http://tinyurl.com/yrsj3d

    It's about bringing kids along on vacations and suggestions for places to visit that have activities for both parents and kids... not that I'll ever be able to afford them - but it's good to know they exist.

    I hope all is well.

    Much love, SJA

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  8. hey you!! you are too cute, and so is your family!! I love reading your stuff...SO GET BUSY!! nah just kidding, I know that sometimes its hard to be inspired....Ive felt that way lately and am getting back into it now. Im glad to see other people i know on here shareing their walks....

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  9. Miss hearing from you here...

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  10. just checking to see how the family is doing. hope all is well.

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