5 Stages of Answering a Phone Call with Kids Around

As any parent knows, even the simplest tasks can morph into monumental challenges. Dinner can turn into an unintentional food fight, making the bed might feel like a wrestling match, and bedtime often leads to a flurry of gray hairs. But perhaps nothing is quite as chaotic as trying to answer a phone call when you have kids in the house.

I keep my phone on silent 99% of the time because, honestly, the moment it rings, my kids unleash their inner tornadoes. It’s like they have a sixth sense for when I’m trying to have a moment of peace. If you’ve ever found yourself in this whirlwind of parenting madness, you’ll relate to these five stages of answering a phone call.

Stage One: The Phone Rings

First, you have to find the phone. As you whisper-yell for quiet, your kids give you looks that scream, “Don’t even think about ignoring us!” You finally track it down under a mountain of bills, all while your little ones are already plotting their next move to create chaos.

Stage Two: Answering the Phone

Desperation kicks in, and you resort to bribery. You promise candy, extra TV time, or even that toy you’ve hidden away, all for a mere five minutes of peace. But your kids can smell your weakness and are ready to pounce as soon as you say, “Hello?”

Stage Three: Owl Eyes

You muster your best mom voice, “Oh, hi! Sure, I have a minute…” But let’s be real—there’s no way you have a full minute to spare. Just as you think you might catch a break, one kid has to pee, another decides to go naked, and the loud sirens of sibling warfare commence. You shoot them your best “serious” look, which probably resembles a startled owl. They only find it amusing.

Stage Four: Whisper-Screaming

Just as you settle into your conversation, disaster strikes. A fridge raid leads to an avalanche of jars crashing down. Your whisper-screaming begins: “GO SIT DOWN!” but they blissfully ignore you. When you up the ante with a full-on shout, only to find them guzzling juice boxes and stepping in mustard, you realize you’re losing this battle.

Stage Five: Emergency Exit Strategy

At this point, your phone call is a lost cause. With your patience boiling over, you tell the person on the line you have to go, making excuses like a pro. You hang up, toss your phone onto the counter, and vow never to answer it when the kids are around again.

Parenting is a wild ride, and answering a phone call can quickly spiral into one of those memorable moments—albeit chaotic! If you want more insights into the journey of motherhood, check out our privacy policy here. And for those looking into at-home insemination options, visit Make A Mom for some great resources. Additionally, WebMD offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, navigating phone calls as a parent is a whole adventure in itself. From frantic searches to whisper-screaming, every call is a test of patience!