How Do You Stop a 18 Month Old from Screaming???

Yes, mine does it too...it seems like it's stage they will outgrow. The way I deal with it is by giving him an alternative to what he can't do, disrtacts him from the dangerous/inappropriate thing he is doing at that moment. It's a temporary relief but i have to do something about it otherwise he'll throw himself on the floor and scream.
We will master the virtue of patience (I'll see you in the lunatic asylum with all the other moms...)!

It's a stage and a test. There were times I thought there was nothing I could do to change the behavior of my tot but then right when I was about to give up, he'd change. They seem to change over night sometimes. However, there's a few things you can do. You can redirect his behavior by showing him something else when he's about to throw a fit. You can limit choices. Keep note and watch your own behavior and how he reacts to it. It's not too early to give him a little taste of time-out. Whatever you do, don't give him what he wants if he's throwing a fit. That just justifies his fits and makes it so that he does this more.

I suggest a book titled "how to behave so your child will too." It's a funny book with great ideas and information on how to keep yourself from pulling all your hair out and figure out how to change the behavior of your child. And it works pretty well. I have a 3 yr old girl and a 5 yr old boy. I feel your pain.

When all else fails and you feel like you're in over your head, put yourself on time-out and have someone watch your son for an hour or so. When you come back, you'll be able to see his behavior in a whole different light. You'll be able to handle it better.

Good luck.

My heart goes out to you. Hsve you talked to his doctor about the screaming? If there are no underlying medical issues, it could any number of things. The most common culprit for a child that age to have screaming fits is a lack of routine. Next would be a change in his environment, such as a move, or change in schedule. If none of those apply, look to see if there is a pattern to the fits. If you find that he has more fits when you have company, are out in public, or a busy time of day, it may be that he is overstimulated. If that's the case, try to make sure that he has plenty of rest and quiet time throughout the day. If you find that he quickly loses interest in his toys and wants to cling to you, he may actually be bored. Try getting together with a play group or enrolling him in daycare a few days a week. And most importantly, don't forget that Mom needs a break too. If you can't get an hour a day of "me time," hire a sitter once a week and take a day (or night) off. I had a difficult child, and darned near drove myself crazy trying to handle it all by myself all the time until my mother finally bugged me into letting her babysit for me one night a week. And, my God, has it made all the difference. Just because you're a stay at home mom doesn't mean you don't need help, don't let yourself fall into that guilt trap. We ALL need help! Just remember, no matter what your child is going through, you will not be able to help him if you are not taking proper care of yourself.
Good luck!

I am a first time mom also. I gave my son (till this day age 2) a Elmo freezy to bite on. It is safe and he enjoys the material texture on his gums. I found mine at Babys R Us and then another in Walmart.

Good luck and remember to meditate with Baby Einstein Music while your 18 month old is enjoying it too.

Hey J.,
I have a two year old daughter and a seven year old son. The screaming must just be a phase for that age. My son, who has an older step-brother would scream non stop when his older brother was around. My daughter does the same thing when she's playing with my seven year old. It must be an attention thing. Just invest in some good earplugs!!

My children are grown and have their own families, but reading all your posts makes me proud that there are so many wonderful moms out there and you are so kind and sweet to those who really need your help. You all are great blessings to one another. Everyone deserves a blue ribbon for the week!!

The only advice I'd give is to always be sure you know when you have had enough and NEED a break. Call a family member, trusted neighbor, or close friend for just those times when you are at the end of your rope. Most of the mother's writing in are doing fine inspite of the tension of a screaming child, etc., but there may be some who are on the literal edge, so this is for you. Get help before you do something you will regret. There is help out there, but you must reach out and ask for it. It's okay, not everyone has nerves of steel, just know your limit and get help BEFORE you act.

you know I have been having the same problem with my 16 month old. He screams so loud its painful. (and embarassing when in public) I have been trying my hardest to ignore it when he does it and not to give him what he wants. Its hard he just screams louder sometimes, but when he does not do it I have been trying to reward him. It will probably take a little while, but I hope it works soon. I will be reading everyone elses responses to see what they say too.

Hi, My name is N. i am 23 and have two kids ( 3 and 1 yearold) and one on the way. I had the same problem with mine. It has a little to do with him teething but , from 1 to 2 they are testing the boundaries. They want to see how much they can get away with untill we really get upset. I made the mistake of giving in with my first son and had to back track. He becmae even more winier when i finally put my foot down. My second son 1 years old is turning 1 one the 27 and is already starting with the wining. He is a momas boy and that makes it ten times worse. Anyways i just suggest that you stay on top and don't let him push you around it will just get worse if you don't. I wish the best for you! It will pass and then they are just alot of fun to play with!

Ah, welcome to toddlerhood! It's totally normal and totally frustrating! All you can do is try to teach him that screaming is not the way to get what he wants. Just wait until he's two and includes throwing himself on the ground and trying to hit everyone in reach. It's lovely! But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The faster you can try to help him express himself, the better. That's the age where kids start knowing what they want to say, but don't know how to communicate it to us. What we did with Caleb (and still do) is to get down on his level so we're eye to eye with him, and tell him that it is ok to be mad but it's not ok to scream and throw a fit. If he doesn't like something we say or do, he can tell us 'that makes me mad' or 'I don't like it' - but he cannot throw a trantrum or hit or bite. We also very calmly told him that he was being ugly and we couldn't listen to him when he's screaming - so when he's ready to talk normally, he can come get us. Then walk away. It's tough and it will take several times - but it helps. And they do eventually outgrow it. Now he tells us when something makes him mad. We are sure to acknowledge that we know he's mad and we're sorry he's mad, but he has to take a nap before he can go outside and play (or whatever). We also like to use 'yes, but' instead of 'no' as much as possible. 'I want candy' Yes, you can have a piece of candy - but only after you eat your lunch, etc.

Good luck and remember that you are not alone!

At 2 1/2 I find that my son has mastered just the right pitch to make me lose all reason and sanity. Kids go through periods where you can't help but wonder what alien just abducted your sweet angel that existed yesterday and left you with this screaming banshee. You also wonder why nobody told you that the terrible two's start at one and last until... hmmm... college? We all struggle with parenting and mothers get the added bonus of guilt. I find myself saying the serenity prayer and cherishing every good day. Being a mother (and I didn't say being a parent on purpose) is the hardest job in the world. The stay at home mom has it even harder. I did it until my son was around 18 months. I loved being at home with him and miss that now, BUT it is ~so important~ to have time to be an adult. I guess I don't have much advise, other than "this too shall pass" which is my mantra. I just hope that you get enough responses to at least let you know that you are not alone. I don't think the feeling of "not getting it right" ever goes away completely, but I think that's what makes you a good mom. If you ever need an ear you can e-mail me: ____@____.com or ____@____.com Good lick and God bless! -J.