Toddler Screaming!!!

Updated on August 24, 2007
J.P. asks from Chicago, IL
8 answers

I am at my wits end with toddler screaming. I have a 1 1/2 year old and also watch another 1 1/2 year old. The little boy I watch screams all the time! He screams when he is happy, mad, to get attention, just because, etc. The screaming literally hurts my ears. He doesn't have many words (uh oh, daddy, and maybe some initial sounds) so this may be a result, however, I know toddlers can communicate in other ways then screaming. It is getting so bad and I can't stand it any more. Now when I say no screaming he screams. He also screams just to get a reaction- which I am sure I have attributed to. I need advice so badly! I am reading 1-2-3 Magic but am not sure that will be effective with this behavior--yes I am calling it behavior at this point. Also my son has been screaming much more lately. I am not sure if it is developmental or a result of the boy I watch. My son does have many words though. Please help...I need ear plugs!!

I forgot to mention that I have been using sign with him but it doesn't seem to reduce the whining or screaming for items.

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M.H.

answers from Kokomo on

Try teaching him sign language. I taught my son basic sign language, I'm hungry. All done. More. I love you, etc. It really worked. he was able to communicate with us long before he could say the words. There are numerous books you can buy or get at the library. Or you can go online. It is something that is becoming more popular, and the kids seem to do good with it, because they can actually tell you what they are thinking. Good Luck

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S.X.

answers from Chicago on

I've tried the calm voice "you are excited" or using whatever word you need, but sometimes i've just had to IGNOR the screaming. don't look at him don't respond. If its response he's going for don't give it to him. That sounds horribly hard. I'm sorry. My son went through a phase for about 2 months. ug. good luck

S.P.

answers from Chicago on

J.,

My son also went through a screaming phase and he just outgrew it over time (maybe a month or two). Nothing I did or didn't do really seemed to have any impact. Hopefully it won't last too long!

By any chance is your son's name Nathan? I know a Jen who fits your description, but I'm not sure if you are the same Jen...

S. (mom to Ben and Isaac) :)

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N.D.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter was a squealer too, for a while. What helped, though,is that we used to ignore her when she squealed. It didn't stop the sqealing 100% but it did lessen it. She realized it doesn't bring her any attention.
This lessens as they learn new words. We thought the squealing would never end, but it did, as she learned new words. It will decrease as well for your son. This is a phase, albeit annoying! Hang in there.

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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

I agree, you have to just ignore it when you can. He realizes that it will get him some sort of attention, and a lot of times at that age they are learning social skills - like when I do this, she will do that - will she do it every time? Is it good or bad? That kind of thing. If you can ignore it, do, and if it's happening at an inappropriate place or time, just say ssssh, and use your inside voice - that kind of thing. Since you are only watching him, you may want to come up with a plan with the mom, so the word you are using is consistent - sssh, quiet, use your inside voice - that way he will learn that some place he can scream, and others he can't. Also, most of the kids I know, including my oldest two, went through this phase. They grew out of it as they learned more words. My 8 month old is gearing up to be the loudest of all three - he loves to hear his voice, lol.

Good luck!

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J.

answers from Chicago on

I too am jumping on the "Ignore it" bandwagon when you can. I know this sounds a bit out there, but with my 2 year old I sometimes mimick his annoying behavior and it startles him enough to break the cycle.

What does his parents do?

Sometimes kids need to see the whole process like you screaming, then say "no, no, no, lets use words (or signs)" and then show him the behavior you want. I also used the "Shhh" where I talk real slow and quietly and in order to hear you he has to quiet down too. I have also tapped my son on mouth when he is doing something like that, and said "no! no! no!" and that sometimes works. That's just a few suggestions. My son has taken to moaning, "mmmmm" while he plays. I think it is more of a habit but it gets on my last nerve. I guess it is much better than the screaming!

Good luck!
J.

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C.U.

answers from Chicago on

Ignore him.........he'll stop. Also I think your child is just following the other baby.

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J.C.

answers from Chicago on

I FEEL YOUR PAIN! My daughter's cousin has done this throughout his 4 yrs of life (he cries and hits alot too). I would get to a point where I'd leave any house he was in when he'd start. However, he'd get all the attention he wanted and more. And it wasn't a "stop it" kind of attention, it was "what's wrong baby???" or "ok ok you can have it...it's ok" I would watch in horror and then I'd be the one looked at like I was an evil woman because clearly my expression was not that of an agreeing woman.

My daughter started doing it and I would ignore it but boy is it hard to do. Not because you want to give in but these kids have amazing lungs! I give my daughter tons more positive attention, run and play with her and have real discussions with her and I can't say that her cousin gets this so maybe that's why he's more that way (plus he sees the attention it gets him). My problem is my duaghter has done it at stores and parks and WHAT DO YOU DO THEN??? Everyone looks at you like you are beating her when all you said was "let's go home now". If you find the cure, please share!

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