My youngest (8) is unbearably loud - what can I do?
I have two children, 10 and 8, who are both very intelligent and have always been verbal. However, the youngest has become so loud in the house, in the car, and out in public that it has become a regular cause for correction between my spouse and me.
This is not just the happy sounds of playing, it is inappropriately high volume yell-talking, slamming doors and pounding up and down stairs or running throughout the house at all times. We have tried our best to politely but firmly say that if they want to run around they can do it in the playroom in the basement and that they cannot just scream to make themselves heard.
It will get better for a moment and then just return to how it was. In addition to it being generally poor etiquette in most public settings, it is fraying our nerves as parents. We have the added complication of one (very) senior dog that somehow hears practically nothing anymore BUT can always hear the pounding of 8yo feet and gets anxious, paces the room, and cannot settle down as a result.
What can we do to address this behavior without crushing their spirit? Other parents are beginning to notice that the 8yo will loudly interrupt adult conversations or shout down other children. It has not yet been raised as a concern by their teachers but I am concerned that is coming soon with the return to school.
Help!