My 4 year old daughter constantly screams at the top of her lungs. It's not because she's throwing a temper tantrum and I don't honestly think she does it to get attention. It's one of those shrill high pitched screams. I've tried about everything except putting soap in her mouth to get her to stop. I don't want to resort to putting soap in her mouth. She's only 4. I've given her time outs, I've taken things from her that are very dear to her heart. I've put her in the corner. I've even swatted her bottom (which I try to use as a last resort.) She doesn't scream outside. Its only INSIDE, in the house! I've tried about a million different ways of explaining the difference between indoor voices and outdoor voices and I KNOW she understands. I think she does this just because she likes the sound of her own scream, however, MY EARS CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE! PLEASE HELP ME!! if you have any other methods, PLEASE. PLEASE let me know! Thank you!
2007-06-27 13:49:23 · 11 answers · asked by xxtr8sbabygurlxx 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Every time she starts to scream--EVERY TIME--remove her from your presence, preferably into her own room, and shut the door. Say one thing only, in a calm voice, I will not tolerate screaming. As soon as she is done, she can come out. No more needs to be said. If you consistently repeat this action and this phrase, again every time, you will extinguish the behavior. Remember any type of attention is good attention to a four year old.
One action, one result--banishment, one phrase, I will not tolerate it.
It will work.
2007-06-27 14:01:10 · answer #1 · answered by Rebecca W 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK soap in the mouth is not the answer, I hated it when my Mom did it. That is nasty!!! You are the one that needs a time out for your own sanity. You said that you think she does it because she likes her own voice, maybe she could be autistic. When she is being good, let her know that you like it when she is being sweet. Give Big hugs and squeezes. When she is being a little moody head put her in her room or a time out spot and let her know that she will not get out until her screaming stops. Tell her that you can not understand what's wrong when the screams like that. When she stops calmly talk to her and tell her to use her big girl voice. Its tough but you get through it, one scream at a time.
2007-06-27 14:27:28 · answer #2 · answered by Messy Jessy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are a million different reasons she could be doing this and i could probably sit here for hours trying to make suggestions. but i really think you should talk to her pediatrician. the doctor probably knows your daughter fairly well by now and can give you a plan of action to follow to resolve the screaming. also, (s)he'll make a note of it in her medical chart and down the road, if there's some medical (hearing loss...she may not realize how loud she is) or behavioral (ADHD) issues, you'll have an idea of when it started.
and until it's resolved, you might want to consider the previous suggestion of ear plugs to salvage some sanity.
2007-06-27 14:04:23 · answer #3 · answered by mellykelly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughters are almost 4 years apart, same deal except I chose to be a single parent due to their father being abusive. I worked midnights and went back to work on 2 hours of sleep to support my family day in and day out. My kids thought I was sick just laying on the couch. Theres nothing wrong with taking a break from your kids as long as you have a trustworthy person to care for them. Your 4 year old is at a hard age for you to have another child take him out and do something special with him also with out the baby. Take time for you and your husband alone, you need it stress from kids, work, and money are number one things that can ruin a relationship if you dont get a break or enough alone time together. Take her up on her offer maybe 1 or 2 times a week for a few hours. After just having a child your hormones are still changing too and you dont want to take that out on your husband especially if he is a good man taking care of his responsibilities like he needs to. Go out to dinner or just relax on the couch with him and watch a movie order sum food you guys need it. : goodluck
2016-04-01 08:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get some ear plugs and let her scream until her voice wears out. dont give her any attention. right now she likes the reaction and she know that when she creams you will be in her face. just sit her down and let her scream.
trust me it always works at my house.
2007-06-27 14:43:39 · answer #5 · answered by *Sweet_Kisses* 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
where are you at when shes screaming? i know if its that shrill and loud you could probably be anywhere and still hear it. have you tried to just ignore it? or is she wanting something when shes screaming? if you cant take it just let yourself outsite for a minute until she stops. and if shes screaming so that she gets something obiously dont give it to her no matter what.
2007-06-27 14:06:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scream back just like she does. Sometimes the only way they truly understand is to be subjected to what they are putting you through. There's a lot to be said for shock value.
2007-06-27 13:54:59 · answer #7 · answered by Jacki L 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've heard of whispering to your child to try and "throw them off" you whisper and she will whisper etc. But if I was at your point I would ask her why she's doing it if the problem persists seek family counseling and nip it in the butt. Please don't put soap in her mouth!!! Good Luck!
2007-06-27 13:55:29 · answer #8 · answered by Mimi 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can you send her outside when she screams or is it too dangerous where you live?
2007-06-27 13:58:03 · answer #9 · answered by Alicia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firm no and time out....then (as hard as it will be) ignore her completely. She may enjoy her voice...or just your big reaction!
2007-06-27 13:53:46 · answer #10 · answered by monica t 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋