How to Get Kids to Be Quiet When Asked

Some kids are naturally noisy. You know the ones -- they often talk loudly and have a hard time keeping quiet. But there are times when even noisy kids need to settle and turn the volume down. Whether you're making an important phone call, going to church or spending time with a noise-sensitive relative, some simple tricks can help you get your rambunctious kids to quiet down right when they're asked.

Instructions

    • 1

      Explain why you need your kids to be quiet in a calm voice. Yelling at your kids to be quiet doesn't exactly reinforce the behavior. Instead, try "Mommy needs to meet with your teacher for a few minutes, so I'll need you to be on your best behavior and stay quiet until I'm done." Stating the reason and giving a head's up can help your children prepare for being quiet and helps you keep your voice down, as well.

    • 2

      Distract your kids with something quiet when you need them to pipe down. Playing with a smartphone with the volume off, reading a book or even playing with a small toy can help your kids focus on something other than the desire to be loud. Just make sure the distraction item doesn't cause fights, loud noises or squealing.

    • 3

      Offer positive reinforcement for quiet behavior, suggests psychotherapist Joanne Stern, in an article for Psychology Today. By giving your kids kudos for listening, they get a positive reaction from obeying your rules and are more likely to repeat the behavior in the future. Simply saying, "I know it was hard to stay quiet while at church, but you did a great job and I'm proud of you," could be enough to reinforce the behavior for future events.

    • 4

      Set reasonable expectations for keeping your kids quiet. Younger children won't be able to stay quiet as long as a teenager. In fact, you might even set a timer on your phone to help your children see that there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, suggests University of Nebraska Medical Center.

    • 5

      Offer logical discipline for when your kids are not able to keep quiet or can't settle down. Missing out on opportunities because they're rambunctious could help remind your children to settle more quickly the next time you ask them to be quiet. Make sure that you link the behavior to the consequence -- "I'd love to take you to the movies, but when we went to the doctor's office you were so loud that I'm worried you'll be noisy there, too. Maybe next time."

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