Hello!

“Hi, I have a 20 month old son, he used to be a very easy and calm baby. he has recently started to scream for every thing and throw things and hit us. I really can’t stand such behavior but nothing really works. I tried to keep calm and just show him I am upset by getting away. at some stage I tried to give him time out or a soft smack on his hand, none worked and whenever we go out he does worse as I think he knows when other people are around we are not going to be tough on him. I would appreciate if any one can help me with it.”

Posted by Asal, 23/05/2013


Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • 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.


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join