How to handle it when your toddler screams!
Handling toddlers is a tough job for parents because the child goes through lot of physical and emotional changes during this age which triggers lots of behaviors. One of the behaviors is screaming.
Why does your toddler scream? There can be many reasons that toddler scream.
- Out of joy
- To hear the echo of his voice especially in bank, supermarket and public gathering
- There can be something wrong with their health, stomach ache or teething.
- A way of getting a need fulfilled.
- In order to gain attention, It's their way of saying, "Hey, look at me."
- May be he is frustrated because he cannot express what he needs or wants.
Always remember to pay attention to him when he makes his "aa aa aa" noises, or he will scream again!
How to handle when toddler screams:
- Screaming back to your toddler when they scream won't help at all. The best way to stop the screaming is to avoid the situation that tempts your toddler to scream. For this you need to figure out the reason of their screaming.
- Ignore the screaming and allow the habit to run its natural course.
- The moment your toddler screams, walk away. Ignore him for a minute or two. Then return to him and say, "If you don't scream, we can play or eat chocolate" or name some of his favorite activity.
- One way is to use distraction as your weapon against a screaming child. For example, if your child screams for some candy in the grocery store, try pointing out some healthy snack options instead.
How to stop the habit of screaming:
- In case you can't be around your child, make sure she's well-rested, with a full stomach and an empty bladder. In many cases child screams when they are hungry.
- Whenever you are out for a day with your toddler keep some snacks, water and favorite toys of your child in your purse. This works well when your child is frustrated.
- Involving the kids as much as possible is also a great way to avoid screaming. Keep on speaking to them even if you are busy with some work.
- If you're planning on eating at a restaurant with your toddler, opt for the more family friendly places rather than a quiet or more formal setting. They will feel comfortable in known surrounding.
If your child is screaming just to get something, acknowledge their feelings but don't give in just to have some peace and quiet. That's only going to make things worse in the long run. One thing to remember is that this stage will pass. However if your child understands that they can fulfill all their desires by screaming this will become his nature for life. Just be patient and try to avoid the situations that trigger screaming.
(Sources: babytipsonline.com, fisher-price.com, babycenter.com, squishytushy.com)
