Hello,
My 14 month old is going through a phase of screaming and I am at a loss for how to handle it. I realize that he is unable to communicate his wants, but these outbursts of screams are so incredibly frustrating, and it is making it hard to go out, shop, etc. Any advice is welcomed, literature, etc.
Thanks so much!
C.,
I understand your frustration. My started screaming at about 13 months and still does occasionally. Everything that I have read says to ignore it. If you make a big deal, it will continue. I did ignore his screaming, and it has decreased tremendously. He does it every once in a while now when he gets excited or to play. The times when I ask him to stop, he continues. If I ignore him, he gets bored and stops.
Good Luck,
E.
Hang in there you are not alone. My son will be 15 months in 4 days and started screaming at about 13 1/2 months and he stopped all on his own. I just ignored it or made it out to be a game and then he just stopped cause it wasn't fun anymore..
Good Luck
M.
I watched the "Happiest Toddler on the Block" DVD based on someone else's recommendation on mamasource. It is a different technique than I am familiar with, but I like it's emphasis on the child's perspective. I found it on Blockbuster online (we have that service) so it was easy to get a hold of.
Just a suggestion: I taught my child baby sign-language. I bought a lil' square, pink book from walmart for around $6. It was easy to start--consistency is the key---and has been wonderful. She does scream at times and act just like a child should, but I can ask her to tell me what she needs and she usually will. Many times though, she will sign before screaming. She signs: eat, milk, night-night, diaper change, please, more, cup (drink), help, all done, to name a few.
Hang in there,
K.
I'm sure that you have gotten like 100 responses to this but all I have to say is that I feel your pain! My older son did that too. It was soooooo annoying!! As much as you probably don't want to hear this, I just didn't bring him out much unless my husband could go with me to help calm him down when he would start his screaming. I know how hard it is believe me. He made it so hard for me to do anything. It got better pretty quickly and I PROMISE you that he will get over it very soon. Good luck!
R.
Feel better knowing that it is only a phase, however irratating it may be, and that he will grow out of it. My oldest son did it when he was that age and now my second son likes to excersize his vocal chords at the most inappropriate times too.
Yes, that's me. I'm the lady in the next isle over who's child is practicing for a future career as a rock star, or opera singer (the kind that breaks glass). If we do indeed pass each other in the store, wave and give a wink, it's nice to know that there are other mommys out there who really do go through the same thing.
