How can I get DD to speak louder?

Question

My 6 1/2 yo daughter is SO quiet when she speaks (to family, friends, teachers, etc) that we have to ask her again and again and again to speak up, repeat herself, etc. She is capable of being loud sometimes when she's really playful, so I know it's possible. But why is she so quiet almost all the time and how can I help her learn to speak louder?

I seriously must say "What? I can't hear you. Say it again. What?" at *least* 50 times a day. It gets to be a real drag trying to have a conversation with her. I've thought about ignoring her until she speaks loud enough that I can her her, but that seems a little rude for a mom to do. HELP!

Answer 1

I was like that as child it just takes time, she's a little shy,so what. she'll grow out of it. Don't worry.

Answer 2

On two different occasions, I've worked with women who are like that.  I've got pretty good hearing, but had to strain to hear them.

Assuming you're not hearing impaired, just say "louder", or if she's looking at you, point to your ear.   Eventually she'll get the message.

Answer 3

Maybe make it a bit light-hearted and say stuff like "hmmm...did anyone hear someone say something? I think I heard an ant talk..." and dont react to what you think she's saying until she talks properly. I've found that works on a quiet-talking little girl I look after. I think the little girl I look after just does it because it makes people pay attention to what she is saying, and she gets attention out of it. Don't know if your little girl is doing the same or not - is she shy?

Answer 4

she may feel really shy or lacking in self confidence. teach her some sign language, that has really worked for some of the real quiet children in my school. they feel more comfortable using thier hands than thier voices and overtime thier voices raise and its wonderful to see that transforamion

Answer 5

my mom did that to me when i was younger and well to be honest she ended up regretting it now i talk way to loud  but it does work

Answer 6

its okay shes only a child she needs to hang around with people that are active and she will start talking normaly(not quit  or loud)

Answer 7

There is nothing wrong with her.. some kids are  loud and some are the quiet ones, many times the quiet ones turn out the be the smarter ones who pursue a career and a great life while the loud ones work at McDonalds for the rest of their lives. She is only 6 and a half and you shouldnt worry at all, you should treat her nicely and listen to her and just encourage her to speak up, yelling at her to SPEAK UP and being mean with her wont help her at all, as a parent its your responsibility to always help her gain confidence and help her improve her self esteem and make her more comfortable by saying good things about her and communicateing and talking with her regularly to help her speech, keep helping her and talking with her be nice with her and treat her well and she will speak up, constantly nagging at her will make her not want to talk to you at all. After a few months see if she improves otherwise enroll her in a communications class or public speaking ( Im not sure they have programs for her age but they might), also try to get her around kids maybe that will help her speak up.

Remember: “There are times when silence has the loudest voice”