14mo Temper Screaming at Everything

[Abigail333]

I’m worn out
We struggled hard sleep training LO since6m and finally at 13m we finally got it working that she would sleep mostly through the night (before she was up 2-3x at time up to 3h each) that me and OH were only getting 3h sleep each before going to work.
Sleep advisors couldnt workout why she was protesting sleep so much.

Now She wakes 1-2x for a hug and she goes down and her awake time is 430am (still an improvement)

Now LOs naps are non existent and if you try to put her down, she becomes a scream queen and would put Jamie lee Curtis to shame. Proper top of the lungs, sore throat enduring that this week she actually broke her audio monitor because she screamed so loud it now crackles 🤦‍♀️

It’s not just being put down to sleep she does this, being told no, removing from a potential dangerous situation, me going to the toilet or answering the dirt - anything she isn’t happy about, she throws the same screaming tantrum

This week HV said “it’s just her temperament” and that it sounds like terrible two had came early but I’m tired, worn, emotional and jealous of all these mums who have had “easy” 1sts / I live mines to death but it’s just me and OH and no help from anyone else available that once one issue sorts itself out a new one appears that we’re just constantly worn out 😢

Anyone have any advice on how to handle these screaming tantrums?

(That’s meant to be a seeing the door) 🤦‍♀️

I have a 12 month old with temper tantrums. When he's not tantrumming he's the happiest baby ever and an absolute delight. But if I tell him no or take hi. Away from something dangerous he wants to do or stop him doing some thing he wants to do (today it was eating a dead spider 🙄🤨) all hell breaks loose. I've been told it's just a phase and it will eventually blow over. But that it will get worse before it gets better 🙈 it's exhausting. I've tried to make our house a 'yes' house as much as possible so I don't have to say no much. I used the dead spider though 😂

Sorry- MISSED the dead spider, not used!

My DD has been very similar. She had reflux early in life and while we managed to get it under control with medication, DD figured out that loud cries can be very effective in getting other people's attention. She has been using screaming as her "go-to" sound ever since. We always stood out whenever we went (e.g. in shops, cafes, baby groups, public transport - it didn't matter). No other child could even be remotely as loud as DD. What helped us to cope was the fact that DD has been a brilliant sleeper. I focused on her sleep habits from very early on and it paid off. DD has always loved her cot and her sleep.

I wish I could give advice on how to change things but, unfortunately, the only thing that helped us was time. I was initially hoping DD would get "easier" as she developed gross motor skills but it didn't make much difference. The second year of her life (and specifically the period from 14 to 20 months) was quite difficult. However, as DD got better at communication, her temper tantrums started to become more manageable. She began using words and sentences before resuming to screaming. I didn't really feel the impact of "terrible twos" - in fact, after 24 months she has been getting "easier" and "easier" every day.

DD will be 3 in January and while she is still a demanding and loud child, I feel my time with her now is an absolute breeze in comparison to earlier years. She is a real chatterbox and is quite good at explaining what she wants and needs.

Thanks so much,
Today was just exhausting and today hit a new level of loud 😂 but I’m glad I’m not the only one who has experienced this.
I totally agree with what you said that you seem to stand out when out and about - my LO loves to make herself know but if she doesnt get her way either getting out the trolley or getting the food she wants, she makes her mood known 🤦‍♀️

I’m going to keep working on the sleep, she might go down at 8 and she gets up for cuddles a couple of times then up at 430 but I’m getting a lot more sleep than before so I have to be thankful for that otherwise this screaming phase would be a million times worse 😩
Xx