Our daughter has started screeching. Mainly when she doesn't get her way, but she will do it just to hear her self screech/scream. It really didn't bother me since I am a teacher and used to the low roar of playgrounds and the lunch room, but yesterday our little family went to dinner and she started screeching in the quiet restaurant. What is a good way to teach her to stop?
it's a phase! :-) I was so worried but my little one outgrew it. just ignore it. if you make a big deal over it then they think it is funny, cute or a way to have control. Good luck! Whatever you do, don't make the noise back at her. People around you will have to understand.....most people have kids and have been there.
Ignore it and it will stop. My son did the same thing.
It is so developmentally typical. She is vocalizing and enjoys hearing her voice. She thinks she is talking; but unfortunately she only knows that one word "screech". lol
It is also exciting for her to see the response she gets out of it.
She needs to be appropriately directed so she understands that vocalizing is not the problem, it's the level of sound that is the problem.
Often the more attention you pay to it, the more a child will do it. But, there are times when you cannot ignore it (such as in public...not fair to others.)
When my daughter screeched, I put my hand gently on her mouth, made eye-contact, and told her "Quiet voice", and made a quiet sound which she then tried to copy. :) I also used distraction (redirection) to a new activity when she did it.
Pay careful attention to what is going on when she screeches. After calming her, use the appropriate labels/words/phrases for what it is she seems to want,(e.g. food, to be picked up, a toy) and work with her to learn how to say it. She may seem young, but her language will develop quickly.
Some people also use sign/hand language. This can be a great method because it is subtle, and there is physical activity involved which creates deeper neurological connections, and increases overall brain development (including language).
I remember someone else posting a similar request not long ago about her 8-month-old doing the same. My son went through that phase as well. The consensus was to simply ignore it. She wants attention and likes any reaction she may get. Take that away, and she'll likely stop--eventually! It's really hard to ignore, I know, but it will work!
