Things I Can't Say

Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom

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October 11, 2013 by: Shell

Dear Motor Mouths at the Playground

things they can't sayMine is a story about two over-achievers who got married, had a kid and decide to move halfway around the world. We took on too much, too soon, too often. And we pulled it all off, sorta. The Nomad Mom Diary pulls back the curtains and exposes the realities of our over-achiever life.

For me, the playground is the modern day equivalent of “go play in the street”. It requires a bit more effort on my part to get the kids there, but I can usually get away with hiding on the park bench while they run around like maniacs. And truth be told, most other moms are like me. Just today I took the kids to the park and they struck up a friendship with another pseudo-abandoned pair. The other mom talked on her phone in a foreign language the entire time and I scanned my twitter feed while swinging carefree on a giant rope swing. The kids giggled. I giggled. We all had fun.

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But sometimes, someone comes along and ruins the park experience. It might be another mom who hasn’t talked to an adult in four days. It might be a kid that needs that extra bit of attention. Either way, there is one commonality: they talk your head off for the entire time. So I like to refer to them as the motor mouths.

I know, I know, this is soooo wrong to say. We have all been there. I personally have been the motor mouth more times than I can count. But despite having walked a mile in their shoes, or maybe because I have probably walked a mile to get to the park in the first place, I just want them to be quiet.

I bet that some of you are nodding your head as you read this. I am sure I’m not the only one who has lied and said a particular park was closed just because it has crappy cellphone reception. So since this is the “things they can’t say” section of the blog, I thought I’d just go ahead and say them:
Dear motor mouths,

If you see us on our phones, be quiet.

If we seem to run in the opposite direction when we see you coming, just let us go. In those moments, we need our space. We need a moment to re-center and do something just for ourselves.

And we promise, and really, really mean it, we will make it up to you as soon as we can!
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Comments

  1. JDaniel4's Mom says

    October 11, 2013 at 7:58 am

    I feel so badly when this happens. It does make me want to run.

  2. Roxanne says

    October 11, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I’m never the motor mouth mom. I’d rather just be left alone. Which is terrible. But I’m so socially awkward, I’d rather just avoid it all together.

  3. Christine says

    October 11, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    This is soooo true! I am a Mom who goes to the park in attempt to have some silence. It’s the only place I dont hear Mommy every second and can just… sit in my own head.

    I avoid parks with people or a spot I cant park car right at the park and hide in my car. Mama needs her silence!

  4. Darcy says

    October 11, 2013 at 2:55 pm

    I’m always hoping to run into a motor mouth at the park but never do. The park is too lonely when we go for both the kids and I. Could we trade places?

  5. Marta says

    October 11, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    I’m mixed about this because I simultaneously hate talking to people but want to be friendly/make friends. I would rather be at the park alone with my phone, but when I see other moms chatting and I’m sitting on a bench with my phone I kinda feel lame and wish they would just include me because I would never make the first move myself.

  6. The Dose of Reality says

    October 11, 2013 at 10:53 pm

    YES!! And here’s the funny part…sometimes I was the one who just wanted to be left alone, and sometimes I’ve been the motor mouth, too!! GAH!! But honestly, any time you have to chase someone down to have a convo, they probably would prefer a little space! Good tips!! 

  7. Tammy says

    October 12, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Even more than your bit about the motor mouths, I appreciate your observation that parks are the new “go outside and play.” I get really annoyed with the posts about “enjoying every moment of your child playing because you’re missing it.” Yeah, okay. Just leave me alone.

    Sorry. I’m particularly cranky today…

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  9. AnnMarie says

    October 14, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    I’ve been on both sides of this. When I was a newer mom, stuck in the house, I craved adult conversation. Now, I just want to sit in peace. I am the mom hiding in a corner watching my kid but standing out of earshot. It’s the only time I don’t have my preschooler up my butt. 🙂

  10. OneMommy says

    October 15, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Although I am usually home alone with the kids, I’m not the motor-mouth type.  (Too shy!)  But I have been in the situation before when I just wanted some time alone and couldn’t get it…  I hate to be rude, so I usually just sit and endure it — I need to invest in some good running shoes!  LOL.  

Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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