I definitely wouldn’t recommend smacking or really any form of punishment. The best thing I have found at this age is redirection and distraction and also modeling appropriate behaviours!

He is likely trying to communicate. So.many other comments and I’m sorry if this has been answered before but an Occupational therapist or speech pathologist could help

I don’t think punishment is a good tactic. Instead I would try to emphasise with him and help him to express his frustration in a more positive way by offering different options. For example lead him outside and let him jump on the grass or on a trampoline when he’s upset. Help him to give words to his feelings, for example by saying are you upset buddy ? are you upset but you wanted this…really now ? then show understanding that’s hard and whilst staying consequent offer an alternative.
It can also help when you really ignore the behaviour (also no eye contact) and as soon as he shows positive behaviour be full of warmth and praise

Really good topic! It was interesting reading the comments on this!

Sorry to break it to you but terrible 2s are just around the corner and sometimes they won’t wait. Be stern but not aggressive. Let him know you are the boss and you won’t be dictated too by a 20month old

hope that he has calmed down a little bit and grown out of the stage

I find my daughter does this but it is especially worse when she is tired. I think she doesn’t cope being tired so tries to bring the world down with her. If we are at home, I put her to bed. Sometimes she just sits in her cot quietly but doesn’t sleep so maybe it’s overstimulation.

Has your son improved yet?

I agree you must follow through with your punishment. He will soo learn. And when you are out with company I’d still be using a very stern voice and perhaps taking away his favourite toy, he will probably scream louder, but after you’ve done this two or three times, he will realise he will be punished.

You have to be consistent with your punishment … having him sit in a naughty cnr will not do him any harm. If he gets up you put him back take things off him if he throws them and out in a place he can’t get them.

Did you find anything that helped?

how is he going now?

i hope you’ve had success

I have a 20 month girl who is starting the same thing – terrible twos came early eh?

I hope the screaming is under control for you.

Hope you managed to find the answer you were looking for.

I too hope that he has settled now

How is he going now?

Hope he has started to settle for you.

Ohh that really annoyed me with my son how he tested me when others were around and he didn’t get in as much trouble. I hope you have managed to control him more.