It’s normal to feel frustrated when your toddler starts screaming, and you can’t seem to get them to stop. However, it is important to understand why your toddler is screaming before you lose it. That will help you decide how best to handle it and help you reinforce positive and healthy communication. That said, let’s look at some reasons why kids scream and eight steps to stop your toddler from screaming.
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6 Reasons Why Your Toddler Screams
1. Curiosity
Children are naturally curious, and this newfound power can excite them. Thus, they’ll most likely approach screaming like it’s some form of play, and they’ll keep screaming to see how many reactions they can get from you. Don’t worry; with time, screaming will no longer excite them. I still remember my kids were overwhelmed and screamed when they first see moving Mickey Mouse outside of TV in Disneyland.
2. They are Happy
Toddlers are still getting used to dealing with all the new emotions. For example, some kids scream on their birthday party when really happy. They probably can’t tell the difference between indoor voices and outdoor voices. You can gently tell or show your child which voice suits the environment and situation.
Related topic: 6 Pragmatic Steps to Prepare a Toddler’s Birthday Party with Timeline
For example, you can encourage her happy shrieks when you’re out on the playground. However, you can simply say “indoor voice” as you approach the house, which helps her distinguish where she can scream and where she can’t.
3. The Angry Scream
Toddlers tend to express their frustration or anger by screaming. So, if your tot isn’t happy about something, it may result in screaming. In such cases, direct their attention elsewhere. You can read them a book, engage them in an intriguing activity and the likes. Whatever you do, don’t give in to shouting back; control the situation.
The angry scream is similar to tantrums and appear in stages, beginning with a quick warning, then followed by the tantrum, either screaming or crying, it usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes without listening or alert the surroundings. If it happens to be in public, I can totally understand and feel the helpless moment for parents. Finally, when the drama period is passed, kids are tired, red-faced, runny-nosed or there is a period of “hangover” after the tantrum, when the child is tired, red-faced, runny-nosed, and vomited, they needs to be held. Children are often ready to carry on as if nothing had happened!
4. To Call for Attention
Toddlers sometimes scream when they want your attention or they need to change their diapers. When this happens, reach over and pet him reassuringly. A simple wink, smile, or kiss will reassure your kid that you love him and can see him. That way, he knows that while he’s not the center of attention, he’s not being ignored.
5. They Know You’ll Give in When they Scream
Toddlers can learn quickly that screaming is an effective way to get what they want. Therefore we advise that you don’t let them bring you to your knees with their screams. Let them know that you don’t like it when they scream, and once they see that screaming doesn’t make you give in, they will adjust.
6. They Are Overtired
Sleep is very important for toddlers. When they are sleepy but cannot sleep, it is often resulting in unpleasant screaming, especially if it is in the evening when both parents are already exhausted. We have summarized some sleeping tips for toddlers.
- How to Get a Toddler to Sleep: 9 Ways to Help Child Rest
- How to Get Toddler to Take a Nap? 5 Ways to Make it Happen
- 5 Perfect Songs for Toddler in the Bedtime Routine
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