Ok, my husband and I are both SO laid back and easy going, so I don't know where our 9 month old is getting it, but he has a MAJOR temper already. He screams and throws fits when he doesn't get his way. Like if I'm eating something and he wants some of it and I don't give it to him, he cries and throws his arms around. That's just one example. I don't know what to do. I know it's too early to really discipline him, but he needs to know that those fits aren't going to get him what he wants. I've been either ignoring it or putting him in his crib for a few minutes to distract him when he throws his fit. I'm just really afraid I'm going to have my hands full for the next 18 years. Any suggestions?
Well, I am VERY glad and relieved to hear that other people have experienced this too and it's not too abnormal. I will definitely work harder on the sign language, so maybe that will help. Thank you so much for all of your help!
Love,
Christie
My son started this at about 9.5 months especially when he wanted more food. We started teaching him the "baby sign language" for "more" (touching the fingertips together repeatedly) and at 10 months he is using that to communicate. I think they just get upset because they can't tell us what they want, try an alternate method!
Good Luck!
E.
This is not to frighten you but please look for the signs of autism. 1 in every 150 kids is effected and 4 times as many boys as girls. Make sure he is pointing and waving. Make sure he has formed, brown stools every day too. Consider staggering vaccinations or waiting altogether. My ASD son who is now 5 started showing signs at 9 months with the tantrums and screaming in the middle of the night. He never pointed or waved until 5 years old.
Our pediatrician says that around 10 months is really when the "terrible 2s" kick in. It's because there are no other ways for him to express his frustration, which is making him more frustrated. Just stick with what you're doing. Another thing that I did was try any other way to say NO without actually using the word NO if that makes sense. When my 15 month old does something like that, I just come down to his level and calmly tell him that I don't understand him when he whines or fusses like that and to say please. He's now getting to where he tries to say please. We haven't completely gotten the problem taken care of, but I feel that little by little we're seeing change. Good luck, and just know that it's normal so don't worry as much about it.
You actually can start diciplining them at this age. Not spankings or anything (I wouldn't suggest)... but just a swat on the hand, or simply refusing to give in to the tantrum. It lets them know that throwing a fit is not going to get them what they want.
My son was very frustrated at this age... he wasn't quite walking yet, so he wanted to be able to get around more, and he wanted to communicate with me. This is really when we started using the baby sign language. If he'd cry for food, we'd make him do the sign for "more." We just did a few simple things, and they REALLY helped. The sign for "please" is a good one too.
Hope that helps!
Can I just say how happy I am to hear that someone else has a frustrated 9 month old. My daughters never did this (at this age) but my son is really trying my patience!! The worst is that the thing that makes him the maddest is when I leave him in a room that is gated off, while I am in the kitchen or other area doing something. He just stands there and whines...really annoying. But, of course, I understand why he is doing it, and I totally agree with teaching them sign. He wont do it yet, but I do feel like when he gets that way, I am giving him an acceptable replacement that he can do soon. I really think the only thing we can do is ride it out. I hear that it will get somewhat better when they can walk, and really understand how to play with "cool toys." All I can say for both of us is I sure hope so. Best of luck, and just know , you are not alone!!
My son is just turning 10 months, and guesse what? He does the same exact thing. Esppecially where food is concerned. We nicknamed him the teridactal because of his scream. I think it's just his fustration at not being able to get or do it himself. My daughter went through this phase to but she cooled off eventually. Hang in there.
In one of my parenting magazines, it talks about babies around 9-10 months getting frustrated that they can't do as much as they want to and throwing fits. If I can find the article I'll send it to you.
I have 9 month old twins. I feel your pain! A few things that work for me: I really try to either eat when they do, or give them a snack when I eat. It seems to distract them. When they throw fits, I have no problem with letting them cry it out. I leave them where they are and let them fuss. After a few minutes(when they have forgotten why they started crying) I go back in and try to distract with a toy. The fits have really lightened up since I started this. Good luck.
