[leighi123]

He has just been so loud the past week! Sometimes its because he is mad (screaming crying), usually its related to me stopping him from doing something unsafe. And sometimes he screams happy screams when he is excited, like when my parents first get home, or when we are going to go somewhere fun, or when the he and the dog start playing to rough. He also screams to get my attention MAMA!!!!! When Im sitting right next to him. And then when he gets tired he gets really hyper and loud about everything, randomly shreeking and then wants to nurse and passes out.

So I dont know how to get him to chill out. My dad just says 'no' all the time, which I hate and try to avoid saying. And when he says 'no screaming', Levi hears the word 'scream' and does it more. My dad is pissed off and says we need to 'deal with this' so Im trying to figure out the best way to work on it.

 

[LynnS6]

Practice "inside" voices with him - at this age, it's really fun to stand in the doorway and then take a step outside and be as loud as you can. Then step inside and be quiet. Repeat about a dozen times with him.

Then you can remind him to use his 'inside' voice. But really, he's not yet 2, and some toddlers are just plain old loud. Try distracting him. Try talking to him in a very very soft voice when he gets like this (he has to quiet down to hear you). Maybe plan some quiet activities like bath and books for before bedtime. (he might need an earlier bedtime if he's reached the point of frenzy).

 

[foreverinbluejeans]

I agree with the inside and outside voices and talking to him in whispers. "I can't understand you when you are talking so loud." Maybe you could get your dad to at least use the word quiet.

 

[Jade's Mom]

The "inside/outside" voice things works well for us. DD is now 2.75 and really gets it now because we honor that impulse to scream by letting her do it outside. When she screams inside I try to say something like "oooh, honey that was loud it hurts mommy's ears. Let's save screaming for outside." At that age it just takes constant reminding. Don't expect her to get it. It's not reasonable, but keep on it and eventually she'll learn where she can and can't scream.

For us, now, it's like a game. Every time we leave the YMCA she likes to scream as loud as she can in the parking garage. I'll even encourage her by saying something like, "wow, that was a loud one. Do you want to scream one more time before we get in the car?"

That way when I ask her not to be so loud, she's more willing to comply because "don't scream" doesn't mean "don't ever scream" it just means this isn't a good time/place and yes, you may do it later. It's much easier for them to accept.