Lately parents have been complaining about kids who are just making incessant noise with their mouths.
Continuous noise, such as humming or siren sounds, is a common occurrence.
Let’s explore the reasons behind children making these sounds and how to effectively manage them.
Children will often do something called filtering.
While adults often use white noise for filtering, children make sounds as a way to filter out stimuli.
Filtering is a common coping mechanism that helps individuals block out distractions and focus on the task at hand. Children may hum, sing, or talk to themselves while working on a task to help them concentrate. This behavior is often seen as a normal part of cognitive development and can be a helpful strategy for managing sensory overload.
This isn’t exclusive to sound though, we can filter physically too.
In an attempt to filter stimuli, children may engage in physical actions like nail-biting or lip-chewing.
For example, wearing sunglasses or disguising medicine with a pleasant flavor.
The problem is that their filtering can often be the source of OUR overstimulation!
Children with sensory processing issues may also use physical filtering techniques such as wearing noise-canceling headphones or using weighted blankets to help them regulate their sensory input. These techniques can help them cope with overstimulation in environments that may be overwhelming for them.
It is important for parents and caregivers to understand the individual needs of children with sensory processing issues and provide them with the necessary support and accommodations to help them thrive in their everyday lives. By recognizing and addressing their sensory needs, we can help children with sensory processing issues navigate the world around them more effectively.
How can we combat this?
Option 1: Provide your own filter!
To create a calming environment, background noise like music or podcasts can be beneficial.
Offer alternatives like music or ear defenders for managing overstimulation.
Subscribe to our ‘Parenting Power Phrases’ mini-course for effective tantrum management!
Option 2: Filter ourselves
For comfort and effectiveness, consider using soft wax earplugs.
Calmer ear filters can aid in reducing overstimulation.
Funnels?
They can help reduce irritation caused by sound.
Additionally, ear defenders can be a practical solution.
It’s not because it’s too loud.
Ear defenders and sound distractions are useful tools for managing overstimulation.
Option 3: Ask your child to stop or put a boundary around it.
Establish and enforce noise boundaries while offering calming activities as alternatives.
Remember, the sound is what is helping them stay regulated, so when you take that away, you need to be prepared to deal with some dysregulation.
Guide children towards calming activities to regulate their behavior and understand the reasons behind their continuous noise-making.
Remember kids do well if they can.
Children engage in repetitive actions to self-regulate their emotions.
It is important for parents and educators to understand that children are constantly learning and developing, and sometimes their behavior is a way of communicating their emotions and needs. By providing support and guidance, we can help children learn more effective ways to self-regulate and express themselves.
We can’t just make it disappear.
Participate in a workshop on positive parenting techniques that do not involve yelling or time-outs.
Toddler tantrums often stem from frustration, and effective communication can help minimize them.
Toddler tantrum tips
Find out why the tantrum is happening
Tantrums might be triggered by fatigue or hunger.
Show love and attention to address potential tantrum triggers.
Understand and accept your child’s anger
Stay composed and divert your child’s attention during a tantrum.
Find a distraction
Avoid giving in to tantrums as it sets a negative precedent.
Maintain composure even in public to manage tantrums effectively.
Wait for it to stop
Key to managing tantrums is ignoring them while staying calm.
Do not change your mind
Consistent “no” responses are crucial for handling tantrums and preventing reinforcement of negative behavior.
Distraction and isolation can be helpful tactics in managing tantrums.
Be prepared when you’re out shopping
Shortening shopping trips can prevent public tantrums, involve children in the process to keep them engaged.
Try holding your child firmly until the tantrum passes
During tantrums, providing a firm hold on children can be beneficial while remaining calm to reassure them.
Video: what’s the best way to deal with tantrums? (18 to 30 months)
Watch a video on effective tantrum management strategies.
Hitting, biting, kicking and fighting
Teach children that aggressive behavior is unacceptable, identify triggers, and provide love and attention to mitigate aggression.
Do not hit, bite or kick back
Clearly communicate that aggressive behavior is not tolerated.
Talk to them
Address underlying insecurities that may be causing aggressive behavior.
Show them you love them, but not their behaviour
Appreciating and praising good behavior can help reduce aggression in children.
Help them let their feelings out in another way
Allow children space to release energy and express emotions, aiding in better emotional regulation.
Encourage children to identify and name their feelings to improve emotional control.
Teach problem-solving skills
Help children learn how to navigate conflicts and resolve issues in a calm and constructive manner. Encourage them to use words to express their feelings instead of resorting to physical aggression.
Seek professional help if needed
If aggressive behavior persists despite your efforts, consider seeking guidance from a child psychologist or counselor who can provide additional support and strategies for managing aggression.
For more help
If concerned about your child’s behavior, consult a healthcare professional.
For support from a trained family support worker, call the free helpline at 0808 800 2222 or visit the website for more information.
More in Behaviour
Last reviewed on: 7 November 2022
Next review on: 7 November 2025
All toddlers experience tantrums, but severe meltdowns could indicate ADHD. Learn about early warning signs and methods to teach emotional regulation to highly sensitive children.
Some children display signs of ADHD as early as age 2, making it challenging to distinguish between ADHD symptoms and typical behavior. Most toddlers are lively, chatty, easily distracted, and impatient.
Recognition of ADHD red flags is centered on a child’s emotional management.
Early Signs of ADHD: Poor Sleep, Feeding, Frustration
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that ADHD is typically diagnosed around age 4, but signs are present from birth. Early emotional dysregulation is a significant predictor of ADHD.
In contrast to popular belief, hyperactivity is not the primary characteristic of ADHD; emotional regulation is more critical.
Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: Intense, Uncontrolled Emotions
Children with ADHD exhibit intense emotions and aggression when dealing with challenges. They struggle to manage frustration and regulate their feelings.
These children react strongly to both positive and negative emotions, resulting in intense outbursts.
Early Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: Emotional Sensitivity and Overwhelm
ADHD toddlers are prone to being easily frustrated, moody, and sensitive to feedback. They may display controlling and aggressive behaviors in response to stress.
In educational settings, children with ADHD may react dramatically to routine situations compared to their peers.
It is important for parents and educators to be aware of these early signs of ADHD in toddlers so that appropriate support and interventions can be put in place. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve the child’s ability to manage their symptoms and thrive in various environments.
Early Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: Frequent, Severe Tantrums
Children with ADHD experience more frequent and intense tantrums than typical toddlers. Their reactions are excessive and challenging to manage.
Tantrums are unpredictable and disruptive, often lasting longer than expected.
Typical Toddler Behavior
A table outlining the behaviors of typical toddlers versus those with ADHD is provided below.
Children with ADHD are more susceptible to heightened emotional reactions triggered by overstimulation.
Some early signs of ADHD in toddlers include difficulty with following instructions, easily distracted, often forgetful in daily activities, constantly fidgeting or squirming, and struggling to stay seated. These behaviors can disrupt daily routines and activities, making it challenging for toddlers to focus and learn effectively.
It is important for parents and caregivers to observe their child’s behavior and seek guidance from healthcare professionals if they suspect ADHD symptoms. Early intervention can help toddlers develop coping strategies and learn how to manage their symptoms effectively.
In addition to behavioral interventions, creating a structured routine and providing clear expectations can also support toddlers with ADHD. By understanding and addressing the early symptoms of ADHD, parents can help their children thrive and succeed in various aspects of their lives.
Early Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: Critical Parental Supports
Timely intervention is crucial for children exhibiting emotional dysregulation, as they are at a higher risk for developing ADHD with severe symptoms. Severe anger outbursts are often linked to more pronounced ADHD signs; still, only a fraction of affected children receive necessary behavioral support early on.
Early recognition of warning signs is essential for providing timely assistance. Babies start presenting signs of emotional regulation shortly after birth. Typically, children learn to manage emotions and respond appropriately as they grow, whereas those with ADHD face challenges in coping with negative emotions and complex situations.
Early Signs of ADHD in Toddlers: 5 Complements to Behavior Therapy
Emotional development precedes cognitive control in children, emphasizing the importance of early emotional support. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health showcase the significance of behavioral interventions as a primary method for treating preschoolers with ADHD.
Parental training is fundamental in developing children’s emotional regulation skills. Understanding the workings of the ADHD brain, fostering strong bonds, responsiveness, emphasizing positive behaviors, and promoting mindfulness and teamwork are essential strategies for parents.
ADHD in Toddlers: Next Steps
View Article Sources
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