Quiet times
Living in a house with eight other people does not lend itself to Quiet. I mean really...I home-school, so five of my seven children are home with me all day, every day. The oldest two have their own work/school schedules and come and go as necessary.
But Quiet is something I crave. I was not an only child, but the closest sibling to me was 14 years older and male. I had a lot of Quiet time. The older I got, the less I cared about having noise and activity. I liked it Quiet - still do. Quiet is where I rejuvenate.
Sometimes, to get the Quiet I need to refresh myself, I wander into a public place - restaurant, library, park - and read. Those places are not necessarily Quiet, but I don't have to be aware of as many things in those places. I don't have to listen for squabbles, or the dog needing to go out. I don't have to worry about the washing machine or dryer. I time it so dinner is not a concern. It's just me and my book or computer, if I'm trying to write.
Do your kids knock on your door or venture into your space just to make sure you're there? Mine do. It's so funny. They'll knock on the door and come in and give me a hug or a glance and then leave. I ask what they wanted. "Nothing." They just wanted to see if I was still there. I appreciate the hugs, but sometimes (especially when they all have the need to 'see' me) it gets overwhelming.
When I can't get away, I have a sign that I post on my door. It reads "Knock for Emergency ONLY." I only use this when I just can't stand anymore attention or questions and I NEED some Quiet.
I could use some new tactics...what do you do when you need Quiet?
Blessings,
Ginger
With three homeschooling, my house can be filled with laughter and music, but usually during school hours everyone is separated, doing her own thing - very quiet! LOVE IT! If I do need concentrated time, I announce that my door is closing. Closed door - don't even knock! Since I rarely do that it means a lot when I do.
ReplyDeleteWith the children married and moved out, I get plenty of quiet. Some times too much. But when that happens, I'll get the granddaughters over and the house is livened up all over again...
ReplyDeleteMarjilaine - Since there are 9 of us in a 5 bedroom house, only one person has their own space (and it's not me), so they're all over the house. My writing space is in my bedroom which is just off the family room/kitchen and it can be a noisy place. Therefore, the door gets closed to cut back on some of the sound. They all know they can knock at any time (unless the sign is up). :)
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Sometimes I dream of a house that's quiet, but then I know I'll miss the joyful noises that happen right now. Bittersweet reality, I suppose. :)
Thanks for commenting.
I have the same challenge. Eight of us in a 4 bedroom home, and one of those eight is my 1-year-old grandson. Quiet is hard to come by. I may borrow your emergency sign tactic.
ReplyDeleteUsually, when I can't stand it, I put in ear plugs. Or wear my MP3 ear buds. Somehow the teenagers have great respect for someone with ear buds in, as opposed to someone reading a book or sitting quietly alone somewhere. : )