Shrieking Toddler - HELP!

Posted: Wed, Jun 27 2012, 10:35 pm Post subject: Shrieking Toddler - HELP!

DS is almost 19 months and started to shriek around 13 months. Its gotten progressively worse. It went from shrieking which we ignored and that worked for a while to shrieking in situations where we have to respond (e.g. makes a kid cry because they're scared of his shriek). I tell him to use his words so I can understand but that only sometimes works and after a good shriek for a few minutes.

At daycare its developing into a real situation. Kids are not wanting to play with him and he is isolating himself. I get that hes doing it to protect himself - he doesn't want them taking his toys, playing with what hes involved in, etc. but the whole reason I sent him to daycare was to learn socialization. Daycare staff has tried to ignore him but today left him behind with a staff person while the other kids went on a walk to teach him he can't shriek. I don't think I really agree with that method but I do know that I have to get tougher at home. How do I nip this in the bud? He shrieks for anything and everything and throws good tantrums too. I am at a loss and just want to cry that he is having socialization problems and that I have no idea how to deal with it. I've always wanted to be an empathetic mother and I do understand where he is coming from a lot of the time - and I have a stubborn and desire to be in control attitude too - so how do I help him without feeling like a monster and still showing him I am his mommy, I get where hes coming from and I do ultimately understand?

Posted: Wed, Jun 27 2012, 11:31 pm Post subject: re: Shrieking Toddler - HELP!

What have you been doing so far for discipline?

In our house, screaming and tantrums get my toddlers a time-out in their room (I turn off the lights and plop them into bed) If we're out somewhere, then I grab them and sit them in the stroller (strapped in) as time-out.

It's not just about ignoring the behavior, it's about sending the message that if you act this way, you lose your priveledges of being able to hang out with everyone when he acts that way.

I get that you're trying "to be an empathetic mother and I do understand where he is coming from a lot of the time" but that comes second. Controlling your child's inappropriate behavior comes first. Yes, it's totally true that he has the right to be upset when someone grabs his toy, but he needs to learn proper ways to react... saying "excuse me, that's my toy"
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