can I get a whistle?

[transformed]

is this over the top? I am thinking of getting a whistle for when my 3 kids are being loud/out of control to get their attention. So I can talk to them.

usually I shake my head and walk away - thus neglecting to do what I need to do, OR I yell. Both of those suck to me.

[Sasharna]

I have to say, the first thing that popped into my head was the image of Captain von Trapp.

I don't have any experience using a whistle like that, so I really can't offer much. My gut feeling is that it would end up not working out very well, in part because of how the body reacts after a startling noise. I remember feeling shaken up and a little resentful at teachers who used this method.

Have you tried a family meeting about the issue? Depending on how old the kids are, they may have plenty of ideas on how to approach this situation. I haven't had the opportunity to try out a family meeting in my own tiny family yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Good luck exploring what works for your family!

[OboePlayerMom]

How about a gentle bell sound? They use that at my dd's preschool, and it's a good signal to the kids to quiet down. Or blink the lights. Or clap a rhythm that the kids have to clap back to you. That gets their attention too. You could also have a signal word that would start a chant - that would be a fun family tradition, too. (I'm just thinking back on my camp counselor days - one counselor would say "Hush!" and the campers would all chant back "And a HUSH fell over the crowd!" Then they'd be quiet and focused.)

Here's a link to the kind of bell sound I'm talking about. It's a very gentle sound:
http://www.blueberryforest.com/fun_g...airy_wands.htm

[transformed]

i dont want to be cpt von trapp!!! LMAO.

they are 5, 3, and 1. : I dont think we are at the family meeting age yet. (Its usually the 3 and 1 yr old.)

good ideas oboe.

[Sasharna]

Originally Posted by transformed

i dont want to be cpt von trapp!!! LMAO.

lol! I didn't mean you'd be like that.

I really like the bell idea, too.

[skreader]

Also, sometimes whispering will work, because the kids will quiet down to hear what you have to say.

Bell - I use one to summon the kids in from playing outside.

Sometimes a sharp clap of the hands will get young children's attention.

[transformed]

Originally Posted by skreader

Also, sometimes whispering will work,.

I have heard that. They dont ever even notice. LOL.

I clap.

[ChetMC]

Whistler Blowers

I use whispering when I can, but in my experience it doesn't work when three small kids are all making noise. If clapping didn't work, I would not begrudge you a whistle. It's better than shouting.

You aren't actually Captain Von Trapp unless the kids line up according to size when you blow the whistle.

[COVegMom]

I think it all depends on what you do after you whistle. When my DH was a substitute teacher he used a whistle because he's a fairly large guy and didn't want to intimidate the kids by raising his voice to be heard over the rucus. He has a very playful coach-like personality so he would give a short blow, make a silly and exagerated I'm waiting kind of pose and then cheerfully moved on after getting their attention. The kids actually really liked it and would beg him to blow the whistle again.

[sewcool]

with my 4 and almost 3 year old i found they really do block out my voice so I make up a new high pictched squeeky voice and they look fast wondering who said that ya know. try it!