My son just turned 2 in July and whenever he doesn't get his way, he screams at the top of his lungs, and it's close to a blood-curdling scream. Is this normal or should I take him to see a behavior specialist for his age group? Running out of ideas of how to get him to not scream so much.
2006-08-20 15:18:42 · 17 answers · asked by Laura Belle 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
very normal. he is two and testing you. ignore the screaming. if he has been doing it, that means that he is getting a response out of you. this is what he wants. start at home, when he screams for something, turn around and don't look at him. walk away, I know it is hard, but this will let him know that you are in charge and that the screaming is not a good way to get your attention. when he is calm remind him that you will not pay attention to him while he screams and that you would like to be able to understand what he wants. he needs to get attention for good behavior not bad behavior. just remember that his behavior is bad, not him. good luck
blessed be
mother of 2 and one on the way
2006-08-20 15:43:13 · answer #1 · answered by singitoutloudandclear 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is normal. Try whispering to him when he starts this. It's amazing how lowering your voice will automatically cause someone else to lower theirs.
Also you can set a rule about no screaming. Believe it or not, even 2 year olds can understand this.
Reminding him or the rules before you get into a situation is a good idea as well. Having a routine is great.
You might even want to use pictures such as a picture of him smiling. It is impossible to smile and scream at the same time.
Do not give in when he screams because you don't want him to get reinforcement for this behavior.
2006-08-20 23:29:08 · answer #2 · answered by nobadkids 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Screaming is normal at 2. I would create a "screaming spot", where you sit him while he screams. When he is finished, go to him, compliment him on calming down,and have him repeat after you. "I am so sad because mom said no to cereal. But it is ok because I can have some later." He can try even if he can't talk well. You are teaching him how people react to bad news. This is a learned skill, and it is sad that some kids are never taught. When something disappoints you, say it out loud. "I am upset because it is raining today and I wanted to go outside. It's ok, there are fun things to do inside."
Your son will catch on fast. Stay calm with him, showing your frustration is the opposite of what you are trying to teach. Good luck!
2006-08-21 09:42:55 · answer #3 · answered by HD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have any kids myself, but I have been around them my whole life, and I have friends with small children. I know it may be very difficult, but ignore him. If he thinks screaming will help him get his way, then he needs to be taught that it is NOT acceptable. When he is told "no" and as a result throws a tantrum, just walk into another room. If he follows you, walk into another room, etc...Let him know that you will not tolerate his behavior and do not want to be around him when he acts like that. Some parents are so quick to spank, and sometimes that makes it worse or leads to child abuse in some cases. Myself I am all for spanking as long as the child understand what he is being punished for, but sometimes just showing no interest in his bad behavior works 10 times better. When I was about his age, I threw a HUGE tantrum and my mom was so upset and didn't know what to do and out of desperation she picked up a glass of water and threw it (the water, NOT the glass) in my face. She said I was so shocked that I gasped and then bawled...then she did too! After that, I knew not to throw a tantrum when I wanted something but to ask, and just accept if the answer was no. Good luck!
2006-08-20 22:37:48 · answer #4 · answered by pixiechic_77 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, your son is very normal and does not need a specialist.
He is just finding his way and he is yearning for some independence among many other things - but his language skills are not very developed.
Do you remember when you have been so frustrated that you just wanted to scream? Well, try and look at him like a little adult. He is just as smart as he is going to be in 20 years, only
he hasn't acquired all the knowledge.
Try a book - "Raising the spirtied Child" - it has done wonders for me and my 2 year old.
2006-08-21 00:18:44 · answer #5 · answered by theprincesskgb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every time your son screams say in a very calm and low voice that you can not understand him when i screams ask him to say it in a normal voice "like mommy" tell him that you wanna find out whats upsetting him but you can not when he screams.
Now usually kids quieten down,because they have to ,otherwise they can`t hear what you saying.
If that does not help tell him that you and him can talk when he talks in a non screaming voice.tell him if you ready to talk and tell me whats wrong then mommy will be here and we can talk ,but mommy does not liked to be yelled at.
Don`t forget to tell him that he did a good job when he talks to you nicely.
It will be the hardest thing to stay calm when i child is screaming beside you ,but if you keep it up it will change.
It may take a week or two but when you look back you know it was worst it.
Be strong!!!!
2006-08-21 12:29:18 · answer #6 · answered by Sunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've tried all the common stuff, I found something that worked for me. I would just watch him scream, arms folded, and look at him as if he were just being totally stupid. He might respond to a stern glare... but never say a word, just look at him. And if you really get desperate, LAUGH at him!
Now, if you've tried the above a few times and you're still having problems, try this. When he yells, YOU yell LOUDER. Mimic him! Do exactly what he does. Then when he's done... say something like, "Boy, that was stupid."
You don't need a behavioral specialist by the way... at least not at this point. Your son is learning how to get his way.. and your job is to see that he acts appropriate. Let's see who WINS... the two year old or the parent. You might be surprised to learn how many tots outwit their parents. They're smarter than we give them credit for. Good luck. I have four kids, and it can get tough... but it's great being a parent!
2006-08-20 23:20:26 · answer #7 · answered by Mike S 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Fist, no specialist yet..in my opinion. He's vocalizing his opinion for you. He can't speak to you in sentences or relay to you how he feels, he is doing what he knows.
It is usually best to ignore the negative behavior, although not easy, if he sees the screaming isn't getting him anywhere he may stop on his own.
Time-out could be appropriate- one minute per year of age..for him, 2 minutes.
Remember, although he doesn't speak to YOU in complete sentences..lower your body to his level and explain to HIM what he is doing wrong. Then give him lots of love and hugs when his time-out is over.
Hang in there!
2006-08-20 22:27:48 · answer #8 · answered by Gabbi G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey I'm a proponent of corporal punishment, and I assume you are not. Grandma put a quick switch to that behind, and he'd stop the screaming.
Anywho.. I've found something ELSE that worked for me. I got down and screamed at the top of my lungs. Scared the Jahebbers out of the kid, and now at twelve laughs and tell his friends about it.
2006-08-20 22:28:27 · answer #9 · answered by Wise ol' owl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As for ideas, I'm looking for some myself! But, it's normal, there is no need to take you son to a behavioral specialist.
2006-08-20 22:24:54 · answer #10 · answered by jumpin' jellybeans 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋