A love letter to silence

Let me start by saying I love my kids. Deeply. Fiercely. Would-fight-a-bear-for-them love.

But if they narrate one more snack run or ask me why socks aren’t made of marshmallows, I might just walk into the woods and become a legend.

I homeschool twin boys. One has ADHD. One has autism. Both have the energy of a double espresso and the volume of a monster truck rally. Our house isn’t just noisy—it’s a full-blown sensory explosion featuring banging toys, impromptu drum solos on pots, and the occasional scream just to “see what it sounds like in the laundry basket.”

Here’s a breakdown of my average hour:

Here’s a breakdown of my average hour:

7:00am: “MOMMMM! The cereal is floating weird.”

7:04am: “Can I eat my breakfast under the table today?”

7:10am: “Do bananas have feelings?” 7:11am: Existential crisis.

I try to embrace it. Really, I do. I nod thoughtfully during monologues about dinosaur battles, respond enthusiastically to Lego brick discoveries, and offer deep analysis on whether or not the cat “likes jazz.”

(Answer: hard no.)

But some days, I just want five minutes where no one is narrating their every move, singing made-up songs about bodily functions, or telling me a story that starts with “So I was walking in my underwear…”

I don’t need a spa day. I need a cone of silence and a snack I don’t have to share.

If you’re a mom reading this thinking, “Wow, same,” just know this:

If you’re a mom reading this thinking, “Wow, same,” just know this:

You’re not alone.

You’re not a bad mom.

And you’re allowed to crave quiet.

So here’s your reminder: It’s okay to hide in the bathroom for some peace (just lock the door). It’s okay to let them build a pillow fort and pretend it’s “quiet time jail.” And it’s okay to say, “Hey buddy, I love you—but I need a little no-talking time before my brain turns to applesauce.”

Because motherhood is loud.

But you? You deserve a moment of quiet.

Even if it’s just in your head.

Call to action:

Drop your favorite “Did my kid really just say that?” moment in the comments. Bonus points if it involves snacks, nudity, or something you had to Google to make sure it wasn’t dangerous.