How do I make my toddler stop screaming?

Question

My 18 month old son has a horrible high pitched scream that he lets loose whenever he isn't the center of attention. Should I keep telling him no (i put my fingers over his lips) or should i ignore it and hope he gives it up if he sees it isn't having the desired affect? (he will always get attention from others when he does this) People look at me like I am killing him and I have to tell them, no, that's his "everybody look at me" noise. Sometimes people make rude comments or cover their ears. When he does it in the car, obviously I can't turn around to discipline him, and it kills my ears in the enclosed space. This has been going on for months and I am afraid he is not going to "grow out of it" anytime soon. Please Help!

it's not a fit, just a single piercing scream to get my attention.

Answer 1

Does he have a favorite toy? Remind him each time "he chooses to use that tone", It hurts other people and he needs to use his words "please", or "excuse me" to get an adults attention. Otherwise, 'There will be a consequence.' Favorite toy gets a time-out!! Until he calms down, and expresses he is 'sorry'. Then he can have favorite toy again.

Take toy away only for about 3 minutes start time after he calms down. Give a hug when he calms down, to show this is what is expected, then explain in matter of fact tone why 'toy' is in time-out and return toy with expectation that his tone will not be tolerated again. After a sticking to your word on this 2-3 times,, you should only have to give warning one time and he will understand you mean business.

(( It is important to remind him in front of other people, as well, that you expect him to use his words, 'please' or 'excuse me'...before allowing others to entertain him.))

Keep in mind, it should get easier as he learns new words as he continues, to grow. Just be consistent in reminding him to use his words when wanting something. Also, celebrate and make a big deal when he uses 'manners' to ask for something. Sometimes you just may have to give him that second, cookie because 'he did say please, & thank you', without a reminder.

Answer 2

Well, I hope this doesn't sound rude or anything but my grandma is a professional babysitter and she's been doing it for over 23 years....and as a matter of fact, she's raised four kids of her own.

What she does is she yells at him...not like totally loud yell, but she has a tone in her voice that means she's serious and usually the kids get that she means business and they stop.

Believe me, I've seen her do it! The kids will understand. The only thing I don't like is she thinks that they take advantage of me and climb on me and hit me, or you know, the usual take advantage when I'm over there. And I thought i could get some piece and quiet, or at least not have that much trouble when I'm over there. turns out I was in the wrong!

Answer 3

You really cant make him stop that. That is one of those things you can not control completely. I would just remove him from the area and place him in his crib close the door and leave until he is done. If you are not home, take him to the car, strap him in and sit outside the car until he is done. If it is too hot or cold out, maybe you can just go to the rest room and let him have at it in there, but once he sees his face in the mirror the screaming fit should be over.

Answer 4

There needs to be a negative consequence every time he does it. Put him in time out, even in the grocery store. A lot of stores have chairs near the front that he can sit in, or I even made mine stand in the corner at the end of the aisle. If it continues, take him out to the car and let him sit in it alone while you stand outside the car watching him, but not hearing him. If you are driving and he does it, pull over, take the keys out of the ignition, and step out of the car [Make sure you keep the keys in your hands.] Stay where you can see him and he can see you watching to see when he stops so that you can go on with your day. Make it clear to him that every time he screams instead of using his words, he will get time alone. Be consistent, and don't let the inconvenience of it stop you- he will notice that, and do it when it's most inconvenient.

Answer 5

I think it depends on every child.
I hate when people stare and make rude comments, whenever I see that happen I point out to my husband how everyone is staring and has nothing better to do in a very loud voice, they seem to get embarassed :D

Answer 6

I used the 'ignore it' idea and it only went on for about a week. It works, but is embarassing in stores. That was a good week invested in calming the kids down.

Answer 7

We do an inside/outside voices thing and have fun with it. We'll say inside voices, then talk in silly whispers. They seem to have fun with it too, which I think helps it to work.

If they're freaking out scream, calmy repeat, inside voices, or we also like - use your words. Mommy can only help you if you use your words.

Answer 8

speak harshly to him! a simple 'stop that right nowor we are going home, or you are going to your room' should get his attention and let him know it isn't acceptable, but only if you follow through.

Answer 9

do say or do a thing ignore it completely if stranger's stair at you give them a dirty look back because they either don't have kids are have totally blank out how their kids were. He wants attention don't give it to him because ever negative attention is attention.

Answer 10

I know I'm gonna get slammed for this but...
Get a big spray bottle, fill it with water and spray him right in the face EVERY time he lets out that screech. That's what I had to do with my daughter. It works.