I'm keeping a friends baby while she's at work. I've kept her before, but the first 2 times she was gr8. The last few times I have kept her tho, she pretty much just whines and screams the whole time. She'll stop for a min. but then she starts right back. It doesn't matter what I do to try & calm her. Nothing works for long. She won't take a nap, she won't eat, her diaper is dry, she throws anything I give her 2 drink or play with, she follows me around wanting me 2 pick her up & when I do, she'll stop crying for a little bit but she eventually starts back & when I put her down she screams like I'm murdering her. I can't carry her around all day bc I have 3 children myself that I have 2 care 4. They try 2 play w/her & she wants nothing 2 do w/them. Giving her a bath doesn't work or taking her outside. She doesn't have a fever or caugh or runny nose so if she's sick it's got 2 b a stomach ache or an ear infection or...sumthing else I cant c, but giving her meds doesnt help either.
2007-10-31 09:30:33 · 7 answers · asked by ilovemysoldier 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Also, her mom says she does this at home and so does the only other person i know who has kept her, but WHY!! Shes not even crying, shes just whining and screaming loudly. shes done it so much that she just fell asleep on my kitchen floor for about 5 minutes, but now shes awake again and screaming. I'm out of ideas and i've tried everything. ignoring her doesnt help either and i feel terrible for doing that to her, but im running out of ideas and energy.
2007-10-31 09:33:24 · update #1
I know it is hard but instead of giving her attention give it to your children who are being quiet. Sit with your children and read (this will be hard over the screaming), Play games with your children. When you have your children engaged in something, she may see that and want to join in. If she stops screaming and comes to join in don't praise her or make comments about her previous behaviour just quietly let her join in your activities. I have worked in day care and children do scream, kick, yell etc for attention and power. It is hard but if there is nothing physically wrong then ignoring her screams is the best bet. If she does it for her mum there is nothing you can do there. Children soon learn what behaviour is acceptable and where. You can only control the situation at your house not at her home.
2007-10-31 16:47:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that doesn't sound like fun at all! If you've tried all those things, she cries when she's home with her mother as well... and nothing seems to help, maybe she needs a doctor, maybe she does have an ear infection. Although teething could make her this cranky too! Have you asked the mother if they've been to the doctor? If they have, then I would bet she's just teething. Ignoring the screaming is about the only thing you can do, you can't be carrying her around all day. I am sorry for your situation, I can't even imagine!! Good luck!
2007-10-31 16:39:29 · answer #2 · answered by Christine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she is comfortable and not in pain, the reason is quite simple: POWER. We never have as much control over others as when we are two. Screaming, crying and other behaviors teach them that their effect on others. I would make an honest attempt to soothe her. If she continues to cry and scream, say something to the effect of: If you want my attention, you must stop the screaming. Use your words. If that does not work ignore the behavior, do not let her see it frustrate you in any way. When she stops wait until she show an appropriate way to gain attention and tell her how good she is behaving.
2007-10-31 18:00:18 · answer #3 · answered by itchianna 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I babysat for my brother and his little boy was about the same age. When I had just about had it, I tried a warm bath. He continued to cry through the bath but he sort of cried himself tired. Didn't take long before he completely zonked out for the night.
This was about fifteen years ago and now there are bath soaps which have lavender which is used to calm a crying baby.
2007-10-31 16:49:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i no it sounds horrible ignore her let her scream as much as she wants i must admitt you will need patients of a saint.... my son used to do this to the point i was in tears and i just ignore him i put tv on for him toys and when he screamed destracted him with something and if he carried on just ignored him and after a few weeks he got fed up of being ignored and if i do say so myself hes is a little angel dont get me wrong he can be a little sod but thats 1 in 4000 lol give it a try it maybewhat she actually needs
2007-10-31 19:52:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has she been doing this for mom too? I was going to guess teething too. Maybe something different, try an indoor "sandbox" made out of rice or a water table w/ floating toys. How old is she? How about a walk? Park?
2007-10-31 16:51:05 · answer #6 · answered by tiffany 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just ignore her. it'll be hard, but that's the only way. don't even look at her. she's learned that she'll get extra attention. reward her when she is quiet, but turn away from her when she screams and carries on.
2007-10-31 16:40:17 · answer #7 · answered by wendy_da_goodlil_witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋