My son is about to turn two and, for the most part, is a wonderful child. Unfortunately, he has a habit of screaming really loud sometimes....like at the dinner table or in the car. I realize its all a cry for attention, but even when I give him attention, he continues. I have tried everything to have him stop....1) Explaining why we don't scream and asking him to speak in an indoor voice 2) Ignoring it 3) Walking away 4) Time outs 5)Taking away privileges/toys....nothing seems to work. I am at my whits end and would appreciate any advice. How do I get him to stop!!!!
Someone asked me to explain his screaming.....he is a great talker for not being two, so its not a lack of words or misunderstanding. And, he's not screaming because he is having fun. I do believe he is doing it for attention, which is strange sometimes because my husband and I always give him our undivided attention. Maybe that's part of the problem.....he is our first born child and may be a bit spoiled (not with toys, but with our time/attention). He knows he is doing something wrong when he screams...sometimes he laughs or sometimes he apologizes.
I used to pat my son's mouth to make it sound like a funny "wawa" noise, then we'd both break down laughing. Then I'd suggest we sing and we'd start singing the alphabet song. It worked so good that he stopped screaming all together and changed over to singing various song, especially when we'd stand in a line at the cash register. The more people would smile and comment, the more he'd sing and boy, was it cute.
Well is he just screaming instead of talking? Screaming about the same thing each time??
Could be a cry for attention. Or could be just him having fun. It's hard to give a lot of advice without a little bit more info on what he's screaming about.
My son is almost two and screams cause he's having too much fun. And it takes time to calm him down and get him to stop screaming and just laughing.
The one that worked for me was ignoring her. I would walk out of the room at home. I would also start to sing to myself or pretend to talk on the phone. Making it very clear that I did not want to be around her. When she stopped I went right to her and asked if she was done acting naughty and see if she wanted to play.
If we were in a store and she was in the shopping cart, I would turn it around and push her from the back of the cart. When she stopped I asked her if she was ready to be pushed the right way? I also asked if she was done acting naughty. Most of the time it worked. I had to turn her around ALOT!
I had to make sure that I took the attention away but gave her attention when she stopped. I know that it can be very trying on your patience. Best of luck!
I'm going to try some of these tips! My daughter is doing a lot of the same things right now and is about the same age. I read that it's better to say what you want her to do, so I always say the same thing- softly, or talk softly. Sometimes I say it stronger, but usually I start with it gently to emphasize it. I think also removing her from the store is better. Our problem is that our daughter is sometimes laughing and it's hard for us to get her to see that this is a serious matter. She just started, so we're hoping with more repetition she'll improve. I think people understand, but it's still better to give everyone some peace of mind. It's been hard for us too, don't worry! I hear it will pass though, so hang in there with us! :)
When my 2 year old get out of hands, I look at her and make a frow and cross my hands and I say NO _____ is not right.
She seems to know that I am mad and she comes and try to hug me.
I would ask what ever she is doing no scream, no hit, clean her toys, etc.
And as soon she start doing it I make a happy faces and YAY's.
I have notice that kids (and no so kids) want their parent recognition and they are capable to know we don't appreciate what they are doing.
I don't like much the walk away, just because I am not sure if she understand that I am upset or that I just didn't notice.
When I say no and then don't move, she knows I am mad and she need to stop in order to move on with our play, book, or what ever.
get the "Happiest toddler on the block" book, he has a lot of very simple and good suggestions of how not to get to the point of screaming, and how to deal with it. Some of them worked fo us, but there is a reason why they call it the terrible "two's" ...
good luck!
