Is there any way to stop a 12 month old from screaming and shouting?

[BoysRule]

My DS2 screams and shouts most of the day - often when held down (e.g. by the buggy straps or car seat or in his highchair) but sometimes just as he is walking around the house/garden/street.

It isn't a naughty scream but more of a communicative shout and scream. We talk to him loads and include him in conversations around the dinner table etc. I tell him no and quiet but it doesn't make any difference - he just smiles and carries on. I am conscious of him not getting attention when he screams or shouts but this doesn't make much difference. This has gone on since he was about 6 months old and is getting louder. There is no problem with his hearing.

We can no longer take him to cafes or restaurants, the supermarket has become too embarrassing and car journeys are a nightmare. Any advice? Can anyone tell me this will pass? It drives me to the edge every day.

At this age, it's all about reinforcement. If you talk to him, look at him or pay attention when he screams/shouts, then that is what he will do. If he screams you have to ignore him, but very quickly give him positive attention as soon as he's quiet. Try it - you'll see a difference within a day or two.

Agree with wiggins.

No attention at all when he's screaming, he'll soon stop... Hopefully! DS does it for attention sometimes, I ignore it but it bloody grinds me.

Dd is doing this. She does it more if anyone reacts so I ignore and tell anyone im with to ignore too. Its hard but effective.

Attention does make it worse but some babies do just like to shout as well. My DS was like that at 12 months and - sorry to say this - still is at 21 months! He has a very loud voice and tends to shout a lot and screams when he gets frustrated, really loud ear-piercing screams.

Positive reinforcement for quietness does help, as does ignoring screaming but ultimately some kids are just louder than others. We have a pretty restricted range with DS, avoiding any situations where he has to be restrained for a long time, any restaurants other than quick, family-friendly ones etc. I am just hoping that as his speech improves, the screaming will abate...