Help with Sound Modulation

[pitchfork]

Hi all,

DS, 4, is just getting into really loud play, shouting to himself, crashing his blocks. It's just plain kiddo fun, but we live in a fairly small apartment, and we are expecting baby #2 in a few months, and he seems to have a hard time responding to verbal cues to be quieter (and gentler for that matter). It's complicated by his having SPD which makes it neurologically harder for him to ramp down his nervous system.

I would love any creative ideas about how to encourage him being quieter, as I know I will want that some when baby comes, and I'd rather not have it be ALL about the baby, KWIM?

Usually, when I have the wherewithall, I have the best luck with lowering my own voice somewhat dramatically, and he sometimes picks up on it.

Games, tricks, tips?
Thanks!

[hakeber]

Honestly, I have a pretty loud DS too, an we live in a house with the stupidest acustics, it's like living in an echo cave...awful. We had a new baby in january and she actually sleeps BETTER when he is being loud. It's almost SOOTHING to her to hear her brother at play.

So maybe you will get lucky and the new baby will appreciate his rambunctiousness as a sweet lullabye.

Otherwise, can he play in a separate room and maybe get that egg crate foam stuff they use in recording studios?

[titania8]

It must be something about the age. I swear my Jonas is the loudest child on the face of the planet. noise really stresses me out. I try and not react, but MAN! Be quiet once in a while! Not everything has to be as loud as possible!

Sorry for the vent. I'm sure you understand.

Sometimes he responds to requests to "turn his volume down". Wish I had more ideas. I'll be watching this discussion.