Screaming Kids

Why does my kids' screaming get on my nerves? Is it something about the certain decibel which causes the muscles in my neck to twitch and twinge? Is it knowing that the whole neighborhood can hear these fun fighting children that embarrasses me?

I tell them that they can't scream inside - only outside. So they take me at my word. As soon as their feet cross that threshold their mouths open wide and they let it all out. My boys are way too early for maturity so their screams come out as high pitched squeals. And it's so random - most times there is nothing they are screaming about. It's just because they can.

So I let them. But while they scream outside, I'm inside turning into a ball of nerves.

I'm within eyesight of the backyard, but I'm wearing headphones. I can still hear the screams, but they are muffled. And don't worry, I can tell the difference between a hurt scream and a kid scream, even with headphones on. I can still see their wide mouths, their shut eyes, their chests puffed out in full blow. And it bothers me.

I guess this is something I need to work out in therapy.