How to Get a Child to Speak With a Normal Human Voice
My 5-year-old daughter Maggie seems to have two volume levels outside of our house: off and Fran Drescher in a loud bar . It took a while for her to become comfortable talking to people in general, so I let it go when she suddenly wanted to say something important and started talking in ALL CAPITALS. But at a recent parent-teacher meeting at her preschool, the principal began introducing everyone to each other. When she approached me, she announced, “This is Michelle, Maggie’s mom. I know you’ve all heard Maggie. Ouch. Perhaps we really need to work on adjusting the volume.
The topic of what to do when your child sounds like they are screaming originated in the Offspring Facebook group. I found some tips on how to help your child – and anyone within earshot.
Check their hearing
If your child seems to be screaming all the time, they may have a hearing problem. Ear infections can also occur, which is the most common condition in young children. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor.
Look for other reasons they might speak loudly.
Young children often speak in loud voices and need attention. Maggie does that sometimes, and I have to remind her constantly that it’s not okay. Teach them to let others finish what they want to say before getting down to business (I understand this can be difficult, even for adults). Or, if they just want your attention, you can try a trick to keep them from interrupting your conversation. conversations that some parents swear by. Tell them that if they want to talk to you, they need to put their hand on your wrist and wait. And then you put your hand on his arm to confirm his request. When you are not talking, you reach out to your child and give him your full attention.
Children may also scream because this is how you got their attention in the past. Try to stop this cycle – it’s not the best . And then simulate a voice that is calm, respectful, and at the appropriate volume.
Or maybe your child is talking loudly because he is small and just does not yet understand the generally accepted decibel range for conversation. This makes sense too. Fortunately, there are ways to teach them.
Play voice game indoors or outdoors
In her new book Speech Tutorials for Parents: What to Say, How to Say, and When to Listen , Wendy Mogel shares an exercise that can teach children that adults believe the inner voice versus the outer voice:
Starting with your quietest whisper, say, “I love big red balloons.” Okay, now a little louder … ”Continue until you reach the“ outer voice ”level and name this level 7. Then walk past it until both of you start screaming and laughing. Name this level 10. Then say, “Inside, you always want to strive for four or five. The same happens when you are in the car, because any very loud noise can distract the person behind the wheel. Outside, if you speak louder than level 7, even if you are in the backyard or playground, if there are adults nearby, someone will tell you to shut up, or a stranger may worry that you are in trouble. “
Ignore volume
If your child screams like a World Cup announcer at 6 am and you think he knows it is inappropriate, he will sharply say, “You’re too loud!” or “shshshshshshshshsh!” will only make them buzz. Even negative attention is attention that children often seek. If the volume is consistent, ignoring it may be the best option. Leave. Do not answer. Put on headphones if necessary. When they are ready to talk to you in a reasonable amount, ie the chicken, you can re-engage.
Yes, and if someone tries to give your child a toy microphone for their birthday, break it “accidentally” immediately.