A method for managing telephone calls including the steps of obtaining from a subscriber of a telephone line an authorization to activate a quiet time period, receiving an incoming call for a telephone number associated with the telephone line, determining whether the quiet time period has expired, terminating the call if the quiet time period has expired, and providing an alternative call treatment during the quiet time period. The quiet time period can include a default amount of time. Alternatively, the quiet time period can include an amount of time specified by the subscriber at the time of obtaining the authorization. The alternative call treatment can include one of playing a busy signal, forwarding the incoming call to a voice mailbox, forwarding the incoming call to another telephone line, playing a greeting recorded by the subscriber, and playing a greeting indicating when the quiet time period will expire. Provisions are made for an authorized calling party to bypass the quiet time period.