My 2 Year Old Has Started Screaming Need Help to Control It

Go to the library and get the book or DVD "The Happiest Toddler on the Block". This book has seriously changed the way I interact with my 2 1/2 yr old, I started reading it two weeks ago and no tantrums since I started the techniques.

They are REAL easy and really work-FAST! My son has not had a whining fit or tantrum (screaming, kicking, etc) that has lasted longer than 60 seconds. It works! Amazing.

Let me know how it works for you, I know how CRAZY those fits can make US.

Phoenix Mom

I had a 2 year old child that screamed when he was upset or mad. He lived with me temporarily for about 3 months. The screaming would unnerve me. It was very loud. I was told to ignore him and it would stop. It didn't. I bought him his very own pillow to carry around and told him when he wanted to scream, he had to scream in the pillow. It was odd, but it worked. I certainly got a few strange looks when he did not get his way in public and I told him if he was going to scream, he had to scream in his pillow. He eventually gave it up after a month or so. By the way, I never left the house without it!

I have a little girl that screams/temper tantrums as well. She is also 2 y.o. I find when I don't make an effort to balance the day between her needs and the rest of the family's that she has a meltdown. Meaning, I always have an errand or something related to the house that has to get done so try to make her involved and let her know that we will go to the park or the play area at the mall after, etc. I also try to provide her as many choices as possible. Even down to the kind of socks, etc.

When I make this effort, I find the temper tantrums abate. I think it has a lot to do with them trying to gain control so I give her control through constructive ways.

That may help, if you aren't already doing it.

I wish you the best as I know what it is like to be out in public and feel like "poo" as your kid is wheels off and looks like they are running the show.

Hi A.,

My 2.5 yr old screams as well. She started just before she turned 2, her former nanny's family decided it would be great fun to teach her how to scream. They would scream first and she would scream after them. Then she eventually just continued the high pitch screaming on her own.

The only way we've been able to control it (which we learned from her school) was to tell her we only scream outside when we play, that when we are inside, we use our inside voice and behave quietly. She almost stopped screaming altogether and now when she starts up again, we give her the little speech. It has worked so far for us.

Good luck!

-Char

Hi there. I am a graphic designer too. So rare to find another graphic designer around.

I really like what Gussie had to say. My 2yo nephew use to do that. I was told that he was simply learning his voice.

But we did have to redirect his attention to something else and cover his mouth with our hand and say no when he did it. And he stopped.

My daughter tried that a couple of times when she was about 2 years old. I completely ignored her as if she were not making a sound (in the middle of a grocery store). I just continued shopping. It really worked! No negative or positive reinforcement.
It is just a temper tantrum and his efforts to "show you who is in control." Now you can show him. :) As soon as the whining or screaming stops I wouuld acknowledge him and began talking about something completely different.
It really doesnt take long at all if you are consistent.

I feel your pain! My three almost four year old step son does the same thing! He will scream at the top of his lungs over the smallest things! I thought it was a phase, because my son will go through those every now and again, but we are going on nine ten months now. Now that we have a new baby he is even starting the baby talk! Hopefully your son is just going through a phase. I think it is very normal to test boundaries at that age. Let me know if you find something that works! Maybe it will help us too! Good luck!