Is this a big family thing? Sometimes I think the reason my 5-year-old shouts everything is because the noise level in our house is just too high for a little person to be heard otherwise. Is there such a thing as a quiet big family?
I was a quiet child. I was a quiet teenager and I think I can fairly say I'm a rather quiet adult. I don't even know how to yell without using my "scary voice." How did I end up with loud children? I have a few theories.
1. Each child ends up louder than the previous ones in an effort to be heard above the constant din of all their siblings who are just trying to be heard too. So it's the snowball effect and suddenly everyone is shouting.
2. I did something wrong by forbidding the use of the term "shut up" and now I need to just start shouting it out periodically until it sticks.
3. Quietness is a rare and beautiful personality type and I happened to not birth any children who have that gift.
Are your families noisy? Do you know any quiet big families? Is there a way to be heard without being louder.
Actually, there is and I use this method occasionally. I learned it when I was teaching Pre-School at La Petite in Pinnellas Park, Florida.
Here's the secret...... whisper. I've done this at home, and it's worked. Everyone will stop talking to hear what I'm whispering. Usually it's "Somebody get me the excedrin, now."
Mom Types 
