Joyful Noise

I was speaking with another mom who has a house full of children a month or so back and the discussion of noise levels in our home came up. I thought that I might share a little about how I as a mom, in a home with so many children, deal with the noise in my house. (This is a question I am asked frequently!)

First, let me say, ours is not a quiet home...my family is loud and happy. There is always someone giggling or chattering away in some part of my home.

Though I make no apologies for the everyday sounds, we do try to limit the noise to a degree (let's face it, this many people in a small home can quickly become overwhelming).

Some of these things may seem cruel to some, but it works for us!

First, Paul and I made the decision a while ago to restrict noise making toys from our home. Now, I know, that may seem extreme, especially with the abundance of battery bearing, noise making toys on the market, but it really can get to be too much. We have made an exception or two such as our Leapfrog Fridge Phonics, but for the most part, they have no place in our home.

You wouldn't believe what a difference just that change makes. Besides, most of these toys have decibel levels that over time will cause hearing damage to children...check with your doctor about this little tidbit! Your child's toys could be causing hearing loss.

Second, we try and play soft music during the day. Believe it or not, the addition of this noise, keeps the rest of the noise down...I'm not sure why...it's just soothing.

Next, we strictly enforce the "wait your turn before you speak" rule...trying to teach them not to interrupt others. Now, this is a work in progress...with so many littles, there is always someone breaking this rule but we start everyday with a clean slate and use every opportunity to teach this important skill.

I have a simple hand motion that no one in public would even notice, but it tells my children that they need to lower their voice. This is something that we are all working on.

Turn the TV off! What a difference this will make! Something about the television being on makes everyone yell to talk over it...it is very annoying!

Enforce a daily rest time...this silent time each day gives everyone a chance to rest, relax and enjoy the quiet. It is refreshing and allows you to have a much different perspective when rest time is over.

Pray and ask the Lord for tolerance and joy in the midst of your noise. Stop and thank Him for every little voice that you hear. Though sometimes together it is a lot, realize what a blessing you have right under your roof...there is joy in the noise!

When all else fails, we have a standing rule that no one, NO ONE is to disturb mom while she is in the restroom (unless you are bleeding or not breathing and you better be ready to provide proof!) ...so, on occasion, I have been known to take a minute, and shut the bathroom door just to sit in the quiet for a few minutes. :)

How do you deal with noise in your home??