Friends and family sometime complain that I never answer my phone. There is a very simple reason why.
The short answer: BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN.
The long answer: BECAUSE I HAVE CHILDREN!
Read this mom’s explanation. I love it because I feel the same.
She summed it up perfectly. Don’t expect me to answer the phone and have a QUIET conversation with you, if my kids are home.
Even though my kids are a little older than that mom’s kids, I can tell you that it NEVER CHANGES. The house is loud, the kids need me all the time, and I can’t hold a thought for more than 30 seconds.
A nice quiet conversation on the phone just doesn’t happen. The minute I pick up the phone, my kids desperately “need” me. Right that minute.
In addition to my kids, I also have 3 dogs (who all bark in unison every time a car drives by, or a squirrel climbs a tree, or a bird flies…). So even when the kids are at school, my dogs take over.
Common things yelled at my house are…
“Mom, where’s my sweatshirt?”
“MOMMMM-EEEEEE, I lost my train!!!!”
“Mommy, I pooped, come wipe my tushy”
“I’m Hungry”
“I’m Thirsty”
“I’m BORED!”
“MOMMY, the dog just threw up on the rug”
This is on a daily basis, whether I am speaking on the phone or not. So I usually choose NOT to be on the phone. Answering the phone and having an intelligent conversation doesn’t work so well. Or end so well… the promises I have made while “shushing” my kids, are ridiculous. “What? When did I say I’d buy you a TV for your room?”
My other issue is having the callers complain that I am not focused on them. UH, you’re right, I’m not! I’m sorry but my kids want all of my attention.
So please, before you dial my number, understand that I probably won’t answer. And just text me instead. Or email me. I like email. And if I do answer, please understand I may only be half listening.
♥ ♥ ♥
I’m just a mom trying to keep my sanity.