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Parenting
Please Leave Your Overzealous Parenting Voice at Home
by Jamie Taylor
Updated: November 7, 2020
Originally Published: June 16, 2015
Wherever I turn, there are parents: those with toddlers, those with teens, and those with infants snugly positioned in carriers. This is hardly surprising, especially during the summer months when families venture out to enjoy the sunshine and discover the wonders of the world. My family is partaking in the same adventures.
What truly stands out, and frankly irritates me to no end, is the phenomenon I’ve dubbed the Overzealous Parenting Voice. You could be minding your own business, and then suddenly—WHAM! A parent nearby is loudly narrating every moment of their interaction with their child, ensuring that everyone within earshot is drawn into their world.
I can’t help but wonder if this Overzealous Parenting Voice stems from prolonged exposure to loud children or a desire to showcase one’s parenting abilities. Regardless, it ranks high on my list of annoyances, right alongside that businessperson loudly discussing their latest financial triumph or the college student boasting about their weekend escapades.
Those around you really don’t want to hear your parenting monologue. Trust me, we’re not thinking, “What a wonderful mom!” or “That dad is so in tune!” Instead, we’re contemplating, “Can you please be quiet?”
- In the grocery store: “What color is the orange? Is it really orange? Should we buy some oranges? Let’s count them. One, two, three, four… Sweetie, no yelling. We must use our inside voices because we are inside. What color are the blueberries? That’s right! Blue! Should we select blueberries? Not those, hand me the organic ones.”
- On public transport (airplane, bus, train): “We need to remain seated. We can’t get up right now. Would you like to color? Let’s use our coloring book. Want some water? Here’s your book and crayons. No, we can’t use Mommy’s phone! Let’s color this truck. It’s a garbage truck. Look at that! Is it a backhoe? Yes, it is! No, we can’t find trucks on Mommy’s phone! Want some water?”
- At the playground: “We only go down the slide; it’s not for climbing up. See how the other kids are using it? That’s not how we play. We only go down.”
- At the zoo: “Can you spot the giraffe? That’s the daddy giraffe, and that’s the baby! Look how long their necks are! And they eat leaves! Remember the book we got at the library? No, our dog Max isn’t a giraffe! He’s a dog, and he says woof!”
- At the pool: “Please don’t run; you might slip. Look at all the water on the pavement! If you go too fast, you could fall and get hurt. Mommy doesn’t want that. Ice cream? We have to eat lunch first! Would you like your veggies with the hummus we made together? Isn’t it yummy?”
These are real conversations I’ve recently endured. It’s completely normal to engage with your children, but it’s not necessary to do so at a volume that makes everyone nearby want to cover their ears.
I’m sure you’re a wonderful parent, but I just want to shop for some produce, relax at the playground, or admire the giraffes without your loud parenting performance intruding on my peace. Please, leave the Overzealous Parenting Voice at home.
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In summary, while engaging with your children is essential, there’s no need to project your parenting conversations at a volume that disturbs those around you. Keep it at a reasonable level and allow others to enjoy their outings in peace.