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Behaviour/development

How do I stop my toddler screaming before I start?!

4 replies

anothercoldcupoftea · 09/11/2009 13:46

My DD has recently discovered screaming, bless her. It seems to be the one thing that is really threatening to send me over the edge, don't know why (could be the 200 decibels right in my ear). Problem is, she only seems to do it just before we go upstairs for her lunchtime nap, so I can't use the usual 'do that and you'll have time out in your room', as we're going up to/in her room anyway. Any other ideas on what I can do to stop her (for the baby's benefit as well, as she usually wakes her up as well)? I've tried stuff like 'if you scream, we won't make muffins this afternoon', and 'screaming isn't nice, it makes mummy sad'. But its too much of a delayed consequence or too vague for her - she's only 2.2

Any ideas gratefully received....

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BornToFolk · 09/11/2009 14:00

Ignore it? DS (just two) has developed a delightful habit of screeching "MUMMY!" at me, just to see what happens. I've tried saying no, or that I don't like it but he just wants any kind of reaction. Flat out ignoring it - even walking away from him - is the only thing that works. If he stops and says "mummy" in a normal tone I go back to him and praise him for calling me nicely.

But I can see you have a baby around as well so this might not work for you.

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anothercoldcupoftea · 09/11/2009 14:07

Hi Borntofolk - yes, its definitely an attention thing, and I think the problem is that it wound me up so much the first time she did it, and I got so angry (bad mummy emoticon) that she's carrying on doing it even though I'm now trying the ignoring thing. I suppose I haven't really ignored her totally when she does it, have started with 'no' etc - will try a more deliberate approach....

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BornToFolk · 09/11/2009 14:19

They know how to push your buttons don't they? I do still say to DS that I don't like being shouted at, but not when he's actually doing it, IYKWIM.

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anothercoldcupoftea · 10/11/2009 13:12

Hee hee - just got an email from a friend in France whose DS2 is the same age - has just started doing exactly the same thing Guess its just a phase (like everything!)! I'm just going to have to find something really calming to think about when she does it