These Are Wonderful Sounds: They are Wonderful for our Kids.

Let’s Pay Attention to Them.

One thing that becomes apparent as soon as you become a parent is the loudness. Your kids run out crying, and they don’t stop.

It brings to light the tranquil life you had previously, a silence you will never experience again save for those strange hours spent in a hotel room when traveling for work and the priceless evening hours between their bedtime and yours.

Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful sound. The sounds of anticipation that are muffled but impossible to conceal, known as the "Christmas morning creaks" that Bon Iver sings about.

The sound of a toddler laughing for the first time at something funny.

Your boy sounds so badass and yet so sincere when he plays his drum kit in the garage or with his heavy metal band.

The sound of your daughter playing in the playroom with her friends. The sound of footsteps entering your bedroom in the middle of the night, pitter patter.

The sound of the back door slamming after your adolescent returns from school. There’s a certain love in even the cries of an ill child—they need you, they want you, and you would do anything for them.

Parenthood’s early years are characterized by so many loud noises that you can hardly hear what’s going on, according to a lovely but frequently unattributed comment.

Suddenly, your home is filled with an unbearably quiet silence as your children grow up and leave.

Both are like distinct types of pain; before you know it, you’ll be yearning for one, and you’ll be praying that the other one never materializes.

We have to hear all of these beautiful noises while we can. We have to value what each one says and stands for.

We have to pay attention to them. Since these are the noises of existence.

They serve as evidence of the love present in this home and a testament to your success as a parent.