we could replace our town's tornado sirens with my DD screams when she doesn't get what she wants...it is becoming embarrassing for me!!!!! So far, I just ignore it and she stops, but it takes awhile. I just laugh to myself now because it is so incredibly loud. What else could I do to curb this behavior? Is it just a phase? It is really starting to drive me nuts. Thanks so much!!!
I don't think there is anything per se that you could do to stop it but one thing I find that works with Arwen when she starts screaming is I start whispering to her, "What? I can't hear you? What? You're too loud. You're hurting my ears. What?" I also sometimes cover my ears to SHOW her that she is too loud. She thinks it's funny and she quiets down to listen to me and even starts to whisper sometimes. It's very cute. When she stops I say "Oh, that's so much better. You were hurting mommy's ears." Then I quickly direct her to something else or engage her in a song or with a toy that she likes. When she starts screaming like that, I deffinately don't give in to her demand while she is like that. Otherwise she will learn that screaming is her way to get what she wants. Even if I have to just walk away from her and ignore her a bit, I will. It's so tempting to just give them what they want ASAP so that they just shut up (harsh words, I know but let's call it like we want it) but I think it's the worse thing you could do.
Thank you so much! I TOTALLY agree with you about not giving in...I never do!! I am going to try your ideas...I think she will be respond to those ideas. Thanks again!!
QUOTE(double-or-nothing @ Jan 11 2008, 08:41 AM) [snapback]567742[/snapback] I don't think there is anything per se that you could do to stop it but one thing I find that works with Arwen when she starts screaming is I start whispering to her, "What? I can't hear you? What? You're too loud. You're hurting my ears. What?" I also sometimes cover my ears to SHOW her that she is too loud. She thinks it's funny and she quiets down to listen to me and even starts to whisper sometimes. It's very cute. When she stops I say "Oh, that's so much better. You were hurting mommy's ears." Then I quickly direct her to something else or engage her in a song or with a toy that she likes. When she starts screaming like that, I deffinately don't give in to her demand while she is like that. Otherwise she will learn that screaming is her way to get what she wants. Even if I have to just walk away from her and ignore her a bit, I will. It's so tempting to just give them what they want ASAP so that they just shut up (harsh words, I know but let's call it like we want it) but I think it's the worse thing you could do. I'm going to try this, too. I've tried ignoring and she just screams louder. I never give in, but the shrieking does get annoying. I wonder - is this a girl thing? My DS never does it.
Mine usually shriek at each other when the sister isn't doing what she wants. I intervene b/c I don't want that to be the normal behavior. I mainly encourage talking. "Don't scream like that. Use your words. You should say..." Then I help the screamer verbalize her frustration by putting words in her mouth.
Yelling is horrible! We went to Barmes and Nobles tonight and when Seamus saw that he could not go up the escalator as soon as he saw it, he freaked! It is so embarrassing. I am having a really tough time with him screaming lately. I just get real close to him and talk softly to him. It does not really work! I cant wait until he outgrows this.
I have no advice - thank God I don't have screamers....my niece is a shrieker. it's horrible....even the sounds she makes when she is happy are horrible. I know that it bothers her parents as much as it does everyone around her at the moment - but my SIL has said that my brother is more embarrassed by it when it happen in public and he just wants her to stop, so he gives her what she wants and they are inconsistent when it comes to dealing with it. So....as a result it's get worst. I would say that consistency is key. However you choose to deal with it, make sure it something you feel comfortable doing in public, when everyone is watching to see how you handle it.
