How do you deal with screeching in 21m-old?

[whiteorchid]

DS has just started screeching, sometimes as a sign of frustration (as in 'STUUUUCCKKKK'), but also just for the hell of it (as in 'MIIIINNNEEEE'). I can't decide how to deal with it. Should I just ignore it, ie not even help him unstick whatever has got stuck? Say 'no'? I've tried explaining (in a quiet, calm voice) that he doesn't need to scream, but don't think he really knows what I'm on about...

[Jojay]

I would just ignore it.

If he's trying to tell you something then I'd respond, but just ignore the 'for the hell of it' ones.

As his speech develops, he'll discover better ways to communicate, I'm sure.

[soph28]

if you find the answer please tell me. My 2yo dd is AWFUL for screeching. She does it when something doesn't go her way and then when it does (cos she doesn't want any help) and then again when you stop helping. When she falls or bumps herself (all the time)...anyway it's a problem so I'll be watching with interest!

[PinkTulips]

i ignore if it has no purpose (with the occasional slip up when i screech back ) and if they're asking for something i refuse to give it til they've said please in a nice voice.

mine are just 2 and 3.5 and very very screechy [earplugs in ears emoticon]

[whiteorchid]

Oh, yes, I've been SOOO tempted to screech back!

We went to the park this afternoon, and he screeched 'MINE' at any toddler who came anywhere near any of the ride-ons (even if he wasn't that interested in riding them himself). To make matters worse, he'd then swipe at them if they came too near. Exhausting. I kept calmly explaining you need to share etc, but eventually we just had to leave. He goes to nursery part-time, so it's not as if he's not used to other children. Argh.

At other times, however, he can be incredibly sweet and affectionate. I find it so weird the way toddlers can switch from angel to monster at the drop of a hat...

[PinkTulips]

my dd has a split personality, at her last playschool they once actually said to me 'i just can't imagine S having a tantrum, she's so quiet'

her current playschool are a bit more clued in, they do see her being very quiet and sweet and helpful etc but they have the sense to know it's all an act, and she's started to slip up there now... next year should be fun for them

ds isn't even going there yet and they've sen him in all his screeching, shouting, nervous breakdown inducing glory.... they're bracing themselves for next year with him, earplugs were mentioned and i'm not certain they were joking