I have a theory that loud kids are happy kids. While it’s not applicable to all situations, it tends to work. For example, birthday parties are always excruciatingly loud. Kids playing in the pool, also unbelievably loud. Toddlers with balloons inevitably results in excited shrieks of delight. Teenagers recounting a funny story, talking over each other to the point of yelling. Even a good board game doesn’t keep a group of happy kids quiet. I think my only exception is reading, but even then, a kid that is really enthralled in a story will gasp, laugh, or pause to recount to the nearest person the funny/ scary/ thrilling plot or dialogue.
I live across the road from a park and can often hear kids. I love it. I can’t hear the words, but I can hear the joy, excitement and challenges and it always makes me smile. These kids are having fun, interacting with each other, and making noise in the process. There is a basketball ring there too and I’m more than happy to hear balls bouncing and hitting backboards because I know there isn’t a better way for older kids to spend their free time than shooting hoops at the park – especially in the evening and especially if we consider what the alternatives might be.
I also love to hear toddlers talking (which could often be mistaken for yelling) in shops and cafes as they learn to navigate and communicate. The point is that kids shouldn’t be quiet, and we shouldn’t expect them to be (in most situations). As a society we should be welcoming of children and accepting of the noise that comes with them.
Read Kelsie’s full opinion piece in The West Australian.