A Real Parent’s Question

Oct 14, 2013 | Communication, Elementary-Aged, Preschooler | 0 comments

Here and there I share a real parent’s question regarding parenting. 
Today is one of those days….
Here’s the question from a mom:

What can I do about my toddler’s  BIG LOUD voice? 

My recommendation:

I find the best way to go is a hand signal combined with words. Take your hand, palm down, and lower it. While you do this softly say, “Quiet voice” or “Indoor voice.”

Then don’t respond to the child until she complies. You may want to continue to use the signal and the words, “Quiet voice.”

Throughout the day say, “We use our indoor voice inside” for continued training.

When she does use her quiet voice respond immediately and reinforce it by saying,” I love listening to your indoor voice.” Or “Your inside voice is a respectful voice. Thanks for using it.” 

Affirm ANY improvement or effort you notice. 

Reduce the total noise level in your home by turning down the volume on the TV, radio, and CDs. Keep the adult voice level down as well. Rather than shouting out a directive…move to your child, bend over, get eye contact, then speak with the type of voice you would like your child to use.

After awhile you should be able to use your hand signal as a reminder to drop a decibel or two. 

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24

What ideas could you share about maintaining a quieter home?

If you have a real parent question about kids, click here to email me. 

Contact Lori Wildenberg for your next event.


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About the Author

Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.

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