Boy Who Likes to Scream

I'd calmly explain to him, (even at only 9 mo's, kids understand more than we give them credit for) that his behavior is unacceptable, and if continues to scream, then he will be ignored. Then, I would ignore him. If he's at the table, remove him from the table and let him scream. That's telling him that he is also not allowed to act that way at the table either. It's basically a tantrum. My daughter has tried pulling that before, and she screams at me in anger right in my face, and I just walk away and let her scream and go on as if she weren't there. It stops very quickly because they aren't getting the attention they are looking for. Everyonce in a while, she'll do it again, and I just do the same thing, and then I don't see it for a while again. It's like she needs reminding that her behavior will not be accepted. Eventually, she comes to be crying and looking for hugs, and I let her come to me after she's done freaking out. Good luck, and try to be consistant. That's the hardest part.

Ignore it! If you react to his every whim and scream he will have learned it works... becareful or this could turn into a very whiney kid

It's ok to let a baby scream now and then.

Hi M.,

Well I can say that I have had plenty experience with this one. My little guy who is now a year went front banging his head into everything and anything (tables, floors, wall etc) to get our attention to screaming. As hard as it was to watch and ignore him as he hurt him self eventually he moved on from that phase to screaming. Now he really only screams when he is really tired. One thing besides ignoring him is that we have been teaching him sign language. He know eat, more and help. I think this helps him communicate his basic needs. We were great at always doing the eat sign when we feed him since he was a baby, and he started doing it like at 8 months, but we recently taught him help and he gets it. Even though it may not be perfect he gets it! Hope that helps.

S.

I would agree with the sing language. Kids pick up on it very quickly and its simple. It may take a while for them to sign back to you, but it is the cutest thing to watch them sign different things.

Hi M.,

I know what you mean! My 8 1/2 month old discovered the loud (& horrible) noises he can make, and he delights in doing them often. I think it's partly for attention and partly just because he can. And he doesn't scream as much as shrieks at the top of his lungs. He'll let loose, and then look at me as if proud of himself (sometimes he looks so cute afterwards that it's almost hard not to smile...that's only when we're home alone where only the cat is freaked out!).

In any case, I try to completely ignore it and don't look in his direction - I noticed a few moms recommended this tactic; I'm hoping this eventually helps with Noah too. It's a bit difficult to ignore it when we're out in public, though, and I haven't figured out what to do in those situations.

So, if it's any consolation, my little guy does the same thing! From what I gather, they'll outgrow it if we don't freak out every time they let one loose....

This too shall pass! All of our children have discovered this tallent at about that same age. Our last one was right about the 4th of July this past year and he sounded like one of those squeeling fireworks. It lasts a couple of weeks around here and then disappears. It is really annoying I agree with you there.

TRY NOT TO LET IT SHOW IT IS BOTHERING YOU. MY SON IS 5 1/2 I KNOW IT IS A BIG AGE DIFFERENCE BUT WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER HE WOULD DO THE SAME. MY CHILD IS IN THERAPY DUE TO ADHD AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, HIS THERAPIST HAD RECOMMENDED IGNORE IT FOR WHEN HE WOULD SCREAM HE GETS THE ATTENTION HE WANTS, I KNOW IT IS A HARD THING TO DO BUT IT DOES WORK. IT WILL TAKE A LETTLE TIME THOUGH. SO BE PATIENT.

S.

hey mY 15 month old does the same thing.... if u act like it doesnt bother u he will realize it and stop kind of like reverse psychology, it has worked for me so hopefully it will you too

Hi M.. I had one that did this as well. As others have said, signlanguage is the first thing to teach him. Also, when he screams, like others have said, ignore it. If you can't ignore it, pick him up and put him in his crib and walk away leave the room until he stops. The second he gives up, go it and pick him up again and bring him out with the rest of the family (if he doesn't fall asleep that is). A tanturm is only successful when given attention...a child will give up much faster when he/she sees that it's not getting the desired effect. Best of luck to ya! :)

Hi M.,
I have a 3.5 year old and a 15 month old (both boys), and the younger one started screaming, too. It's making me crazy. I know that he is teething, but his doctor said it's just his age. What I've done is set up his playpen in the front room of our house (separate from the rest of the house), and when he screams, I stick him in that and walk away. He's bound to get the idea eventually! Good luck!

C.

M.,
My 14 mo old son is finally stopping his frustrated screaming. We bought a sign language book for kids and started teaching him certain signs to help him try to express himself. He now uses signs (along with words) to let us know what he wants. He learned them quickly as when we would say more we would do the sign and then give him more eventually he started signing things instead of screaming. It is a phase they go through and it does stop! I honestly don't remember my daughter screaming or my niece but my nephew and son at times they would scream as if we were killing them. I think in certain instances like if he is not needing something and is just looking at you and screams then it is appropriate to ignore him. if he is needing something I would suggest to look at him, tell him and show him (if possible) "water" or whatever it is he is needing. As annoying as it is babies scream for attention. I also tried to anticipate what he wanted to avoid the screaming. i know how you feel and what you are going through it is very very frustrating and annoying! It will get better! You are doing a great thing for your children to be home with them even though somedays you may feel like you just want out from the screaming. Good luck to you!
Warm Regards,
B.
SAHM 5 yr old daughter and 14 mo old son