Shout it out: How to deal with a toddler who has started screaming
When toddlers are faced with feelings of anger, frustration, or even excitement, their first instinct is usually to start screaming or crying – and usually in a public place at the most inconvenient time! Here’s how to deal with a screaming toddler
Screaming – whether out of anger or excitement – is normal for toddlers and young children. “Some children scream when they want to get their parents’ attention, and also as a means to express themselves,” explains Sister Marina Sumners, a nursing practitioner at Clicks Soneike.
“At this age, they are starting to form their own identity and are often simply delighting in the sound of their own voice.”
Knowing this doesn’t always make dealing with a screaming or shrieking toddler any easier, though – especially since this form of communication isn’t always well-received! Try to remain calm when your toddler starts screeching, and avoid raising your own voice – this will only send the message that whoever is loudest, wins.
Eliminate pain
“The first thing to do when your toddler starts screaming is to find out whether your child is in any pain,” Sr Sumners recommends. “Use face-to-face communication to calmly ask your toddler why they're screaming.” Once you’ve ruled out any pain, you can try some of the tactics listed below.
What to do when the screaming starts:
• Ask your child to use an ‘inside voice.’ If your toddler is screaming out of excitement, try not to criticise. Rather lower your own voice and ask them to use an inside voice.
• If your toddler has taken to raising their voice out of excitement or to express themself, there isn’t much you can do, but sticking to family-friendly restaurants where noise is expected can help.
• Sr Sumners recommends a direct approach when your child is having a meltdown: “Sit down on the floor in front of your toddler, make eye contact, and try to find out why they are screaming,” she suggests. “A time-out also does the trick sometimes.”
• For younger toddlers, or when things get really out of hand, Sr Sumners suggests gently blowing in your child’s face to help stop the meltdown, even momentarily. This often stops the screaming for just long enough that you’re able to distract your tot.
• Toddler meltdowns are often as a result of hunger or exhaustion, so try to avoid running errands before lunchtime or naptime, and always make sure that you have healthy snacks on hand.
• Most importantly, Sr Sumners advises that you “don’t yell back; instead stay calm, and avoid getting into an argument (or a screaming match) with your toddler!”
IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com
