[babyonthebrain]

So my DD13mths is my second child I have a DS who is 4yrs old.

My DD has always been demanding and seems to go through each development stage at full throttle. She certainly is a mummas girl and even through separation anxiety is there at times she mostly wants me to hold her, entertain her or give her my time. Anyhow I have dealt with that up and down over the last year the best I can.

This new phase has taken it to a new level of stress and frustration for me. She now screams high pitch non stop all day!!!! I know she is communicating with us but I am going CRAZY!!! I can't discipline her, can't reason with her, can't get her to stop by any means...she even just screams, looks at me when I say no, then screams again. I also know she is screaming at my 4yr old who is playing with her and she doesn't want to share her toys etc. I end up yelling at him all day just to leave her alone. This is the sad thing as it is not really his fault. He wants to play with her and yes a times is being a annoying big brother. But seriously she just screams for everything.... When she wants something she can't have, sharing toys, getting nappy changed, out the bath, waking up a 0530, getting in car, out the car, in the pram. The list goes on.

Did anyone else go through this? My sister had similar issues with her daughter and said by 15mthe got better. Her ears are also damaged from the screaming.

I am losing it. I am MAD, frustrated and over it!!!!! HELP!!!!!

[Kittymeow74]

My 15 month old DS is going through the same as your DD. I could have easily written the exact same post as yours. I will be looking at the replies and hopefully it's just an age thing that they eventually get over.

[meggs1]

It's because of frustration because they can't just come out and say what they want or how they feel.

Yes same here (15 mo).

I've been trying the technique of offering small choices, like - nappy time, walk to your room or mummy carry you? Blue nappy or Santa nappy? This toy or that toy? Breakfast time, toast or porridge? And counting down (in a fun way). Out of the bath - five, four, three, two one yay out of the bath!

Seems to help.

[Escapin]

My mum babysat DD for 3 hours and by the time I came home, she was saying please instead of screaming. No idea what mum did though, not sure I want to know!! Maybe I could rent Mum out though? Make some extra cash for the holidays?

[babyonthebrain]

I know she is trying to communicate via screaming because she can't talk but it is a form of torture.

Thank you for talking through options and suggestions. I start my day like this but end it with yelling and giving no options. Remembering I have a 4yr old at home who also wants ( deserves) my attention as well.

So I guess I am not looking for the answer as to why she screams. More how you cope, strategies, hope it subsides soon etc.

[lsolaBella]

DD has a lovely high pitch scream. She still uses it at 3yrs (although less often).

Neither of my boys did that.

[Ridcully]

Baby sign language. Well worth it. You don't need to buy anything just use the online auslan dictionary and make some signs up.

Start with food and drink and other basic needs.

[Madnesscraves]

It won't happen overnight, as she gets more language it'll get easier. So, you can work on ways to get her to communicate, either by pointing, or learning to translate what words she uses. Eg, my youngest when she was 18 months, would scream for her cup. So, as an example, I'd calmly say, 'oh, do you want your CUP? Can you say cup?' She would then say, 'cuck', and that became her word. Then just practice that with each issue.

Lots of talking throughout the day, reading etc, all the usual stuff parents do to encourage vocabulary. Even when they're young, I'd say, 'can you say it nicely without screaming?' or in her nice voice, or whatever

This. My DD did this after 12 months and I started doing above. Pointed, repeated, made her work for object she wanted. Works a treat.

[babyonthebrain]

You are right RAWR. I do do these things to encourage her to communicate effectively and help her develop. But she is also a monkey and when I do explain eg. Can you say please, or off. She stops, stares then screams just as loud.

I know it ultimately comes down to me a my patience as she is being a toddler ( though very different to my son) and I know why she does it I just crack when it is all day long!!!!

[KC1979]

I fully sympathise with you! My son went through this too. He is now nearly 18months and it has stopped thankfully. I think it was worst between 12m and 16m. He also seemed to scream all day long, and the checkout operators at our local supermarket would comment that they always knew when we were in Even though he still isn't really talking the screaming has pretty much disappeared. Its only when he's tired or not feeling well that he does it. So although i don't have any advice, it should pass



edited: to take out inappropriate smiley face, stupid phone

This post has been edited by KC1979: 09/01/2013, 07:54 PM