“Why are you using your yelling voice?” “Please turn down your volume.” “I need you to talk quieter, please.”
Do those phrases sound familiar in your home? If so, friend, you’re not alone. Those were regular lines in our home when my son was younger.
For the longest time, I felt like a broken record, constantly reminding him to lower his voice. It wasn’t until he was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I realized something eye-opening—he honestly didn’t realize when he was being too loud. What seemed so obvious to me was not obvious to him at all.
That’s when a dear friend suggested I try a Volume Control Chart. Out of desperation, I made one right away.
Putting the Chart into Action
To introduce the chart, Bubs and I went outside and practiced each of the five voice levels together. After walking through each, I hung the chart on the refrigerator, ready to use.
From then on, whenever his volume was too loud, we’d go to the kitchen and have a quick conversation:
“You’re using your ___ voice. When do we use that one?” [Pointing to the image] “I want you to use your ___ voice. Show me what that sounds like, please.”
This routine soon became part of our daily rhythm. Instead of saying, “You’re too loud,” I pointed to the chart and asked, “What voice should you be using right now?”
Eventually, it became even simpler. I held up fingers to show the level he needed to use. The chart took an abstract idea—volume—and made it visual and concrete, something he could clearly understand.
Will the Volume Chart Work for Us?
I remember one time, an adult friend jokingly “yelled back” at my son because he was so loud. My son thought it was hilarious, completely missing the point. I pulled him aside later to explain.
Is the chart the perfect fix? No, it won’t immediately fix the issue.
We also used natural consequences: if he couldn’t lower his volume on his own, he lost the privilege of talking for a short time.
But here’s the good news—the volume control chart helped. It didn’t completely eliminate the problem, but it made a noticeable difference. With consistent use, his volume consistently improved, and for that, I am truly grateful.
For the Mom Who Needs Hope
If you’re in the trenches of parenting a child who struggles with volume, know this: you’re not failing, and you’re not alone. Tools like the “How Loud Is My Voice” Chart can bring clarity and peace to your home too.
You can download this Volume Control Chart, along with other free activity and behavior tools, at ABCJesusLovesMe.
Take heart, Mama—God sees you working hard, and small steps like this can make a big difference.
