I woke up this morning without a voice.  My first thought was, "It's a good thing we know sign language."  Ha, yeah right.  You think you know alot, until that's all you can use.  So here I am, using ASL for the words I know - some incorrectly -, and throwing in some charades, to boot.  Luckily my voice came back around 2, although it is still not strong.  Everyone needs to be silent in order to hear me.  I am not one to talk alot, but not being able to talk sure makes a person realize how often they do speak. 

Being without a voice, and being forced to discipline silently has taught me (reminded, rather), that I don't have to yell to get a point across.  Of course, it takes more work.  I have to focus all my attention on the naughty child, which means stopping whatever I am doing.  More effort on my part, less laziness.... bummer.... Now, don't get me wrong, I don't sit around doing my own fun things.  I am usually feeding the baby, or teaching, or cooking, (yes on the computer, too), and I would rather yell from where I am at.  But, supposedly, if I put more effort into nipping it in the bud immediately, their behaviors will improve.  But that's only supposedly....