My 14 month old is screaming all the time? HELP!?

Question

My 14 month old learned how to scream - like a high pitched shriek - and he does it all day long, even when he's happy. It's the most irritating sound I've ever heard and it's driving me mad. I've tried reacting to it, I've tried ignoring it, how do I get him to stop screaming?!?!?!?!?!??!?!??? PLEASE! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

They all go through this, some are worse than others, but it is just a phase. When he starts learning some actual words he'll ease off on the screaming. He's just enjoying the sound of his own voice, not very enjoyable for you however.

Try distracting him with toys, books, games, whatever you can think of. Take him outdoors and play some running or ball games involving a lot of exercise, that may wear him out enough to get him to stop. Take turns with his dad or some other trusted adult, so you can have a break from the noise for a while.

If he hasn't been exposed to crayons, finger paints, or play-doh yet, this is a good age for that, make sure he's at the table so it doesn't get into your carpet. Sometimes if they can get absorbed in a new activity, they will forget to make noise.

If all else fails, use bribes, tell him he can have a cookie or watch TV if he will be quiet for a little while.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

I think he probably needs your attention, and if you respond to his shrieking, either positively or negatively, he will continue doing it. Try ignoring him. Even when he is right there, just don't flinch. You need to try this (it will be hard for you) for at least an hour.

If this doesnt work, some other approaches are:
get him interested in a toy, his favorite toy, and play games with him, or make up games with him. Talk to him in a soft and calm voice, and maintain eye contact. Also hug and kiss him alot. Remain calm throughout.

Play music to him. Try classical music, or the Baby Einstein range have very good collections.
Thats all I can think of, its hard but hang in there, its just a phase.

Answer 3

Don't react to it at all. I know you say you have tried ignoring it but continue to do so. Only give attention when the shriek is not used. Sooner or later he will get the idea that mom doesn't react when I shriek but she does when I coo or what ever else pleasurable noise he makes.

Answer 4

I know that scream, all kids do it when they learn that they can make that much noise. Make a time out corner in your house and when he does it make him sit in that corner facing the wall quietly, for about 10 mins. Its hard to get them to understand when they are that young so perseverance is the key. I have one 3 1/2 year old boy who did the same thing at the same age and while it only lasted a few months it drove me crazy. The worst thing is that he has started to do it again but at least now i know how to deal with it. Sorry hon, but it may take a while for it to go away, and you might get unlucky again later.

Answer 5

I feel your pain! My 2 yr old is going through this, but he has switched to using the shriek when he is angry. I did have some help from his big brother and sister, but we plan time to go in an out of the house. We would go outside and start screaming, I would do it too. Then we would go inside and whisper. If he started screaming, I would whisper "that is for outside, this is for inside, lets go outside", then we would 'run' outside and scream again. It took a few times, and it is NOT 100% effective, but it reduced the inside shrieking greatly.

Also when we have to do something with either little one that takes time (like clipping nails) I do a few nails and then tell them to wiggle - keep wiggling for a bit (and encourage more activity) - then I say "freeze" - then they freeze like in freeze tag and I do a few more nails. For mine it actually goes faster than holding and struggling with a wiggly toddler that doesn’t like what's happening.

Good luck!!!

Answer 6

You are going to have to seriously harden your heart and do the controlled comforting thing.

Beyond that, take him to a doctor.

There are certain conditions (such as reflux) that can cause a baby to scream. I would have though that if this was the case it might have started before the age of 14 months, but get it checked out.

If you let your son cry and cry and cry and then come and give him hugs and attention, you are actually teaching him to cry (operant behavioural conditioning). He will learn that all he needs to do is to cry more and longer to get the attention he knows you will eventually give him. This is the same as the "Mom can I?" - "No!" - "Mom can I?" - "No!" - "Mom can I?" - "No!" - "Mom can I?" - "Yes!" thing. It teaches that the bad behaviour gets the reward.

Dr James McKenna suggests co-sleeping. I'm not sure if this will address the issues at hand, but maybe it is worth a try.

Answer 7

My goodness YOUR the parent when a 14 month old does unacceptable behavior you give him a swat in the diaper area and say no!
It will only take a time or two when he realizes that is not acceptable. You don't reason with a 14 month old, you discipline them, one swat in the diaper is NOT abuse. .and if more parents would do it there would be less brats in the preschool!

Answer 8

I dont think this is something that should be a concern. My 12 month old son does the same thing. Even when we were in a restaurant. I dont let it bother me.I believe this is something that your child will outgrow. What can i say? Boys will be boys! :)

Answer 9

Get a shock collar you'd get for doggie training. Put it around his thigh and well..you know what to do...