Last Sunday after church, I asked Jackson to be my “plus one” for a lunch date at a Mexican restaurant. It is a family-friendly place and thought it would be fun for us to get out of the house for a bit. While sitting at the restaurant, I noticed something about my child that I hadn’t really noticed before.
He screams…
A LOT!!
Most of the time, he is not mad or frustrated; it is his preferred method of communication. (However there are times throughout the day when is mad and thrusting his legs and howling!!)
Since my husband left a couple weeks ago, I’ve been a little less distracted and more engaged with Jackson. Now I am starting to realize just how loud he is. Is this normal?? He doesn’t have siblings at the moment, so he’s not competing for attention…from anyone. So why does he scream? Why is he unhappy? He’s only 13 months old with a Stay At Home Mom, he doesn’t have to scream to get my attention, so why does he?
I am at a loss!!
Have you dealt with a child who liked to “turn up the volume”? I would love any suggestions for books or strategies on child development or discipline.
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When Zeke was around 13/14 months old he started to scream, too. I was also teaching him to sing with me (We sing a lot in this family
). So when he’d scream I would whisper to him and tell him to sing very very quietly. And he would do it! It was like he wanted to see how quiet he could sing. It was so cool. If he didn’t comply I would put one finger over his mouth and quietly, but sternly say “no sir, you are not allowed to scream.” He certainly didn’t ALWAYS obey, but he started to better learn the meaning of “no” at that point.
Good luck!
Thanks, Rachel!! I will definitely try that tomorrow! My nerves were SHOT by the end of the day. But I am trying to deal with issues head on rather than letting them slip. Thanks again for your help.
Amy
P.S. Wish I could help you with your yard sale. If only we lived closer!!
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