Why Does She Scream All the Time???

Updated on November 06, 2006
J.G. asks from Loveland, OH
4 answers

My daughter just turned 16 months. For the past month or so, all she does is cry and throw temper tantrums ALL DAY. Even for no reason at all. If shes bored she start screaming and carrying on. If we're in the car, in the store, at nap time at bedtime...... you name it, shes screaming and crying. We've tried everything we can think of! Maybe its teething, so do anbesol and pain reliver. No help. I thought she had an ear infection recently because the cryong got worse (if thats even possible) so it turns out she did and did the antibiotics and the dr. said its all clear. Yet shes still tantruming 24/7. Any advice???

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So What Happened?

She talks somewhat. Its developing very quickly. But she can't fully express what she wants. i seem to know though, when shes fussing and my son and hubby are looking at eah other, I tell them what she wants. The past 2 days have been a little better. I did ignore her a few times and was actually surpised to see at one point, her lift her head up to see where we all were. And she stopped crying for a brief minute. But it has been better. I'll keep everyone posted! Thank you all for your great advice!

More Answers

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N.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

My 20 mo old is finally talking a little more, but there have been days when it seemed like all he did was fuss.
My question, as well, is how does she make her normal needs known? Is she talking yet? Pointing to things or bringing objects to you for your help? I agree that if she's not communicating verbally yet try to teach her a few basic signs (e.g., "more", "help", "please," and common things she often wants).
It's certainly not lost on her that you have a new baby in the house, and that you're in a new place, and she may be having a hard time fitting that all together and finding her place. Kids are so perceptive! There are a lot of changes going on for her and you right now. She may just want to make sure she doesn't miss out on your attention. Really praise those moments when she's not screaming and try your best to ignore the tantrums (having a 3 1/2 yr old who still has her occasional tantrum, I certainly understand how hard it can be sometimes).

If screaming or crying because she's in pain, then it's likely that you would know it and that it would always be there. If that's the case then take her to the pediatrician, but it's more likely that it's mainly a behavioral thing (possibly compounded by teething, etc). Wish you the best! And be sure you make a little time for yourself and you and your spouse. Easier said than done, but your sanity is in your children's best interest.

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J.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hello, I dont know if this suggestion will work but I am wondering how well her communication is. How well developed is her vocabulary, because at that age they want to tell you what they want but have a hard time expressing it. She has found this way affective for getting your attention. I would try teaching her baby signs to further dev. her vocab. and that way she may be able to tell you her needs instead of the screaming. I hope this is helpful to you. I study Sign Language to be an interpreter and children pick up the language very well and they love it. You dont have to be an expert on sign just pick up some books at the library or search the web there are all kinds of books for baby signs. Let me know if you try it and if it helps you out. Good Luck!

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E.J.

answers from Cincinnati on

I think that its just a phase that shes going through. Every child is different and i think that shes trying to learn how far she can go and what it takes to keep/get your attention. i would just leave her be when she throws her fits. I had to learn to ignore my son, and when he was finish, I would tell him mommy don't like it when you act like that. He eventually started to understand that if he wanted something he needed to show me. Now that he can talk, he understands that he needs to tell me. But she will grow out of it. Hope this helps.

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T.N.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi,
I have a 19 months old boy who does the same thing all day .He is perfectly healthy.His doc told us to ignore him,he said its common in this age.He also told us to leave him alone at that time,like walk away from him .It works.Also check if she is hungry or not,kids eat a little at this age but they need to be fed often.My sympathies with u.

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