MY ! Behaviour and Development

[looneymum]

Hi Guys. So, I think this is more of behaviour/development issue for me! I have two DDs age six and 4 (soon to be ex left nearly 12 mos ago). I have real problems with noise... I just cannot bear when the kids scream, shout, put the telly on loud, talk on top of each other.. should "mummy mummy mummy" at the top of their voices .... Right, well, I suppose I just have regular kids.. they are great but how can I cope with the noise issues without losing it. I normally try to count but usually just end up shouting "just be quiet - I cannot hear myself think!". Then I feel really bad that I cannot cope with them and have shouted. Any coping mechanisims... perhaps wearing ear phones!? Talk soon. Loons

shouting is allowed!

Thanks CCC.... but I feel like I don't do anything else! Poor souls will grow up thinking that mummy just ranted the whole of the time! x

i think as long as you make an effort ....occasionally - to do things that they might appreciate - so there is a balance - i am an only child and the noise was a huge shock to me for....well...erm...it still is!

the effort to do things is as much for you as them, we made snowflakes to hang from ceiling yesterday - its a xmas tradition, ,my twins are erm...15! they think i am a loon - they are right. thank god we had 6 yo nephew to validate it

An idea I have seen work is the use of traffic lights. Have a red, yellow and green card at the ready and explain to the kids that if their noise is too loud you will show them the red card. Yellow means that the noise is almost unacceptable and green means that it is a reasonable level of noise.

Make it clear that you are not asking them to be silent. But constant shouting is unacceptable and may disturb neighbours as well as create an unpleasant atmosphere in the home.

Agree a reward that they could have once a week depending on how the noise level has been. If they have been shown a red card three days out of seven then the reward will be taken away. If they have had less than three reds then they can have the reward. If they manage to have a completely green week then a special treat is in order.

Just an idea - a "system" may not be what you're looking for, but it might help you cope! Good luck.

Custardo - that explains it for me!

I too was an only child and I can't stand the screaming/shouting/whining, etc. Tantrums do my head in completely

Thanks everyone. I suppose I already use sticker charts for other stuff so wonder if I am maxing out on "reward" stuff! May try traffic light idea... any others... ear muffs perhaps in this weather!