Why We Sometimes Scream Just For Fun Now That We Own A Detached House

What follows is a letter that was taped to our apartment door last spring.

May 2, 2015

Dear Alison (tenant of apt. 1002),

Before Christmas, I spoke and wrote to you regarding Felix's disturbing shrieking. At the time, you seemed to be genuinely concerned, said that you would try to decrease his shrieking, and encouraged me to tell you if it was a problem in the future. Although I have not been in touch because I have been busy, I assure you that it is still a BIG PROBLEM. As I write this, I have been listening to him shriek for almost an hour since 7 am (on a Saturday when I Was hoping to sleep in and start my day peacefully).

In general, Felix's shrieking persists throughout the day. He starts around 7 am and does not stop until about 7 pm. On Wednesday, April 22, when I was trying to work from home, I heard him shriek at least eight times throughout the day (7 am, 9:30 am, 1:50 pm, 3pm, 4:45 pm, 5:45 pm, 6:15 pm). He may have shrieked more but I went out at certain points as well. Needless to say, I did not get much work done because of the noise disturbance.

I don't know if you have tried to do something about Felix's shrieking. I think you had said that this is how he expresses himself and that he will grow out of it. Not being an expert in infant behaviour, I consulted with friends who have children. None of them have heard of such persistent shrieking behaviour. One of them did suggest teaching Felix sign language until he starts to communicate with words. I had suggested before Christmas that you remove him from whatever he is doing when he starts shrieking. He may then learn that this is an inappropriate way of expressing himself. Also, by moving him to the farthest corner of your apartment, you would help decrease the volume heard in the hallway. Neighbours, who live past the elevators, have heard Felix's shrieks.

Some other avenues to consider, if you have not already done so, are to consult with your family doctor, a paediatrician, or speech language pathologist (e.g., Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services, www.tpslp.on.ca).

I sincerely hope that you will try some of these suggestions and that Felix's shrieking will quickly come to an end. This was a quiet floor before you, Phil and Remy moved here and I would like it to go back to being that way.

Your neighbour in XXXX, Bumface*

*Real name has not been used to protect Bumface's identity