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 Ask Dr. Jana
Screeching Toddler Trouble | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Jana,
My 14-month-old has developed a very high pitched screech. It is so piercing that I am wearing earplugs. (Talk about a cool fashion accessory for the car pool line.) Anyhow, I am wondering if you have any tried and true methods for curbing this charming behavior or do I just ride it out? Any direction you can share will be most appreciated. Thank you for your time.— Mommy with Aching Ears in Winter Park | | | ANSWER |
May 10, 2001 | | | Dear Mommy with Aching Ears,
It's great to see that you are still able to see the humor in this all-too-common behavior, because "charming" is not always the word parents use to describe their screeching toddlers! As for what to do about it, I would suggest several things:
- Stay calm and don't overreact. Many toddlers do this sort of thing just to get attention--if it works, they continue to do it.
- If your son seems to screech as his chosen method of throwing a tantrum, start to teach him now that he won't get his way just because he decides to do so. (You can look on our site for more information pertaining to tantrums.)
- Assume your son understands more than he is able to say, and explain to him (in a quiet voice to set an example) that screeching hurts your ears and you don't like it.
- Offer your son a distraction. If he screeches just to entertain himself, consider getting him a toy or two that makes noise (be sure to choose one that will be less grating on your nerves!).
- Finally, you should just ride this one out. Rest assured that you're not the first, or the last, parent to have a screeching child, and your son will grow out of this behavior--hopefully sooner rather than later!
— by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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