How do I make DD louder?

[Ismeyes]

DD is 5 and quite often I have to ask her to repeat herself because she speaks so quietly. Its not in a shy kind of way and she does have her loud times, but it is starting to grate if I am honest. I'm fed up of saying 'Sorry? Could you say that again? I didn't hear you DD'. I'm not sure if I should be ignoring her until she speaks loudly enough for me to hear or just trying harder to listen.

[merryberry]

Go sideways? Try a singing or acting group? Has she started school then? That usually makes them louder trying to be heard over others (or renders them silent if they give up!)

[Ismeyes]

Yes, she has started school and attends a martial arts class in which they have to use their voices. She just doesn't seem to see the need to talk any louder, or compete with others to be honest.

[boysrock]

Fancy swapping? Ds1 and 2 are loud and dont shut up.

I have always had a quiet voice especially as a child, I didn't have to compete to be heard though as the only child for 5years. I have often refused to shout louder and used to think it hurt to speak louder. So would second the singing suggestion.

Of course you could always throw her into a house of boys and watch her become louder out of necessity as I have found.

[Ismeyes]

I think you might have something there boysrock, as she is an only child. Maybe she just doesn't have to make herself heard at home.

[whomovedmychocolate]

She needs to learn to project her voice which is a skill she may not have had to learn as an only child. Singing lessons can help.

Some tips here www.wikihow.com/Project-Your-Normal-Speaking-Voice

I would strongly suggest you get her a digital recorder and encourage her to make a play or story and record it - this will force her to listen back to her voice, strengthen her diction and encourage her to project her voice more so it picks up.

[drivingmisscrazy]

how about reading books with refrains? my DD is much younger, but also rather quiet, but we've had fun with Mog - she now happily shouts 'BOTHER THAT CAT!'

[Ismeyes]

Thanks for the further tips, I will find out about a digital recorder as she would probably enjoy that.

'BOTHER THAT CAT!' made me laugh because she loves that book and does shout it, its just normal conversation she struggles with.

[drivingmisscrazy]

my DD even though her speech is pretty good (I think) for 2.5 no-one at nursery believed she could speak at all until a couple of months ago. My neighbours all (I think) think she's a bit dim because she doesn't say much unless she knows you. But she's not particularly quietly spoken. Is she shy? But if she does it with you then that's not really the issue. Do you think she likes the additional attention that she gets?

[Ismeyes]

I'm not sure it is an attention or shy thing. I think she doesn't see the need to compete or be louder - she has said before that if I can't hear her maybe I should put my ear closer

[drivingmisscrazy]

well that's a perfectly logical answer, I guess! is it just at home, or with everyone?

[Cathycat]

Sometimes children get like this when their ears are blocked - could you get this checked out? Or are you going a bit deaf lol?