Screaming Toddler

Hi K.,
I might suggest that you see how you are responding to her screams. Don't get this or do that when she uses it to demand her way. I'm guessing she'a a beautiful, bright little thing that is discovering how to make things work. Let her know you aren't going to allow her to control the room with a screaming tantrum (watch the friends/invites begin to lessen if you don't) and lovingly teach her it isn't allowed. Speak to her directly because she DOES understand your language at this age and knows what you're saying. Be diligent because good discipline pays off! In a practical way, you could sit her in the high chair for a time out, sit her in your lap and be lovingly firm while at the same time not ignoring her, etc. She wants to be the center of attention because she is HUMAN and it's the normal cry most of us pull even as adults (we're just more creative:) Pray God's wisdom gives you some new insight on how to best use her little personality to be strong but obedient...it starts so early.
God bless you in the huge task of gracious parenting!

I can apprecieate what you are going through. My 22 month old daughter loves to let us know when she is not happy. A couple of resources that I was able to pull some ideas from were The Happiest Toddler on the Block video by Harvey Karp and No Cry Discipline Solution: Gentle Ways to Encourage Good Behavior Without Whining, Tantrums and Tears by Elizabeth Pantley. I applied what I thought would help my daughter and it actually has helped improve the amount of tantrums as well as the duration of a tantrum when it happens. Hope these resources bring you some relief as well.

Wish I had an answer for you but I dont! I can assure you you're not alone though! My peanut is 2 and a half and she has a horrible high pitched scream that is multi-purpose, uses it when she's mad, scared, fighting with her brother, having fun at the dinner table....I'm just hoping its a short phase!

Hi K. H,

K. G here.... Your daughter could have picked it up in daycare, gotten what she wants and is now trying it at home. I do have three suggestions. Try just telling her "No screaming, use your words (please)" and wait until she stops to give her what she wants. Try turning your back on her until she stops and then when she does stop, praise her and give her what she wants. Or (and this is what I do when my son whines at me) cover your ears and go "Ow!" like it hurts you. Make a face, too, but don't smile or laugh. My daughter is/was a pleaser and did not like to upset us or any disapproval so that it worked like a charm on her. My son, on the other hand, stops in his tracks when I do it, but then he'll start whining again after a few minutes. Above all, its a phase and will pass. I keep telling myself that they won't be going to college doing these things!! Good luck.

KarynG

i have one here that i babysit, and i learned that if I just dont give her what she wants, and tell her that it hurts my ears, and ask her to please "tell" me what she wants i will be happy to give it to her. If she screams with happiness, i show her this laughing doll we have and try to get her to laugh instead of scream. eventually we are all laughing. if you can, try to ignore it, and if its in public, you just have to tell her NO, that is NOT acceptable, in a stern voice.
Most of all be CONSISTENT, and just DO NOT give in to her. GL

I agree with K., I always tell my son to use his big boy voice.
It also work's well when girls are whinning.