"Toddlers' enthusiasm and energy as expressed vocally can be a wonder, but as parents know, there are times where this is appropriate and other times when it is not," says Cindy Jurie, co-director of Partners in Care in the Erikson Institute, Chicago, Ill. "Because so often toddlers get a big reaction from parents and others when they use a big voice, this can be a way for them to get adult attention. Being consistent with the use of 'inside' and 'outside' voice reminders is important. [Give] them times where it is OK to use an 'outside' voice and a reminder when we go inside we use our 'inside' voices."

Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of self, and this newfound autonomy feels very powerful, especially at gaining attention when others are around, Jurie says. "[Help] your child understand that we take turns in talking and it is not always their turn. Paying attention to children's nonverbal cues can be helpful. At times a child's increasing noisy-ness may be a sign that they are having trouble 'keeping it together' and may be looking for adult help in calming their very powerful emotions, whether it is tiredness, over-stimulation or fear. Making a game out of 'quiet voices' where one can use whispers in the toddler's ear can appeal to the part of the toddler that greatly enjoys silliness."