Mar 28, 2011
Twin Survival Tip: Use Earplugs as Necessary
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I don’t know about you, but as a mom I have a really hard time winding down during a busy day. Even if I get a chance to sit down (and sometimes that’s a really big if), I still feel like my inner mom-engine is idling faster than my husband’s old ’87 Chevy Cavalier that could accelerate to 40mph by itself.
But from time to time (and now it’s happening more frequently as the twins have a more normal schedule), all my kids are down for naps/resting time at the same time. And when that happens, in that sweet, magical hour, all I want to do is crash on the couch. (Usually I have to prep dinner if we want to eat, but what I want to do is crash.)
Some afternoons I decide “Hey everyone! It’s pancakes for dinner!” and I hit the couch. But I need help to relax. And since most people would question a glass of wine by myself at 1:30pm (myself included), I’ve had to think of other options. For me, the trick is earplugs!
When I get those precious few moments, earplugs help drown out the noise around me, and somehow that seems to help with the noise inside my head. I tell myself, “Welp, if one of the twins wakes up in the next 15-20 minutes, they’re gonna be just fine. They’re safe in their cribs and will do a little lung exercise for a few minutes.”
I’ve also used earplugs during what I call “The Witching Hour” (you know what I’m talking about, that last hour before your husband comes home?). If the big kids are doing something and are safely occupied, the twins are sleeping or playing safely (in the jumper or exersaucer or crib), I put them in and prep dinner for a few minutes of peace. If something happens to one of the big boys, they make enough commotion for me to hear them despite my earplugs, and one of them will inevitably come find me (those mobile ones are tricky).
Of course, a couple warnings/precautions:
- I do not endorse neglect. The needs of my children are important to me, and earplugs are used when their needs are met.
- I use them for maybe 20 minutes at a time, max. Just enough to feel a little more relaxed and sane and recharged.
But if you’re like me and need help unwinding when you get the time, I think earplugs might help. Give ‘em a try!
PS-I’ve also used earplugs whenever I go to the hospital for a delivery. Especially if you’re being induced and have to go in the night before, and you have to listen to monitors beeping all night (and for me, the fear’s so intense at times), earplugs have helped me actually get a little bit of sleep. The nurses all laugh at me, because they have to come over and shake me awake to check my vitals, but it’s worth it!
Thanks for the suggestion! It sounds so funny but very helpful…
The “Witching Hour” is so true….never thought of it that way…I usually tell my child, hurry we have to clean up our messes and quickly get dinner ready—daddy will be home in…so many minutes…
I’ll definitely consider the earplugs too… My husband has the “industrial” earplugs that block out his motorcycle engine sounds, our edger and blower.
What kind do you use?
My secret to a few moments of peace and quiet so I could relax was to take a shower. Same principle – even if they wake up and cry they’ll be safe until I get out of the shower and a shower always make me feel human again. Worked even better than a nap even!
My secret is out! Earplugs are my recent discovery, and they do make a big difference!
I use earplugs when my husband takes over and I know the kids are safe. I go to bed, pop ‘em in and sleep like a baby.
Also, when traveling if you have to sleep in the same room as your kids, it is helpful to have them on hand. You can still hear cries but all the little sniffs and stirs are drowned out.
Great idea using them in the hospital. I’ll keep that in mind.
First, I see that you’ve recently read Home by Marilynne Robinson. I loved it, and Gilead before it. Such achingly beautiful prose.
Also, my husband loves ear plugs and I wrote a post today about my judicious use of the plastic play yard and how it has saved my sanity after having three kids in three years. It’s a struggle (a blessed one, no doubt, but still a struggle) to be an introvert surrounded by little people and their not-so-little noises.
LOVE this idea! How have I been a mom for almost eight years without the blessing of ear plugs! You’re a genius!
Earplugs at the hospital for a delivery. Brilliant! I must remember this if we have another!
my husband’s friend has 5 kids and always carries 3 things with him: wallet, chapstick & ear plugs. i always thought it was a little insensitive for him to pop in the ear plugs when his baby cried (as he took care of his baby’s needs)…then i had a baby and realized it was genius.
From the comments: I like the idea of using them in a hotel room to get better rest with all of their moving around.
However, I don’t recommend ear plugs for a first time dad at the hospital for delivery… ask me how I know! ;)
i thought of you when i wrote about being a mommy today. It doesn’t get much more full-on than what you’re doing! Bless you!!
EARPLUGS!!!!!!! what a NOVEL idea!!!! i have been a mommy for 17 years and have never, i repeat, NEVER used earplugs!!! i curretnly have 4 littles, 10 years down to 4 years and they are noisy! even my 17 y.o. is noisy! and while i’m thankful for them and know ( i think?) i will miss the noise someday, there are definitely those moments when i’d give anything for 5 minutes of quiet!! and that awful “witching hour”(what a perfect name for that hour!)what a perfect time for the earplugs!!!! i’ve actually considered putting my headphones on and blasting my worship music when i’ve needed some Truth pumped into me……but the earplugs, OH YEAH!!!!
LOVE your blog, Molly!!
~patty
I am not a new reader to your blog, (I found you a while ago through my friend Susan V.) but I am a new commenter. I have truly enjoyed your words and getting to know your family here.
I just had to chime in on this though. I actually plan on writing it at my own blog soon, but I totally endorse the use of ear plugs!
As a nanny, I deal with separation anxiety a lot. I had one charge that would just scream endlessly when her mother left no matter what tricks I tried. (Though I eventually found a few that worked.) I spoke with the mother about bringing ear plugs. I just couldn’t take it anymore and it wasn’t helping me to “help” the child. Obviously the child was cared for and not neglected, this was just to keep me sane while I ‘figured her out’. The mother agreed and eventually the child and I became close. We still are!
Long story somewhat still long, ;-) ear plugs can be great tools to keep your sanity.
Thanks for listening and I look forward to commenting more in the future. Sorry I was a stalker for so long! :-)
Genius! I have often wished for noise canceling headphones to wear around the house, without music playing. But ear plugs would be a much cheaper solution! Especially good idea for sleeping together in the same room as kiddos. We are hoping to do more camping this summer so a good tool there as well!
Exactly! I don’t want any music playing, I don’t want books on tape, I don’t even want white noise. I just want SILENCE! :)
Is this #8 number two? ;-) You must be the mother of infant twins or something!
[...] I’m just so thankful for small (huge?) provisions like that. We had very little money to spend on a packing solution, and this was seriously awesome. Hopefully I’ll feel the same after 14+ hours of traveling. Hey, at least I’ll have leg room! And I’ll be sure to bring my ear plugs! [...]
[...] Use Earplugs as Necessary [...]