Hello!

Our daughter is 21 months old and the third child, with two older brothers. She has developed a pattern that involves incredibly loud screeching and screaming. She does this in protest of whatever’s happening to her that she doesn’t like. Her brothers never screamed to this extent and I’ve not witnessed any other children with an epic protest screech like hers. We are thinking she will stop when she develops better language for communication, however, we cannot let this offensive sound continue as often as it does. We have begun to put her in her cot when she very deliberately screams after being told not to. She calms down and then we get her out again. I’m wanting to hear from other mums who have experienced this type of behaviour and how you dealt with it.


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  • Oh gosh… I would love to know how you got on with this. I have never experienced it but im sure it was stressful at the time.


  • My kids fone the same thing and i pretend like if u scream or shout i will not listen to u


  • I know one Mum who stopped her child by making the same noise a few times and that worked after a few episodes. The child suddenly realised what her noise sounded. She did the same thing with her grandchildren. It worked with them. By the way they are not my children.


  • I think when she starts to scream you need to whisper in her ear. She has to stop screaming so she can hear you. Whisper something fun


  • Firmly and kindly say “use your words”.
    I can’t understand your noise.
    Keep saying use your words and any attempt at explaining her side or self should be welcomed and replied to. Then she’ll feel heard.
    Also try
    Whispering to her and say. Let’s whisper. She might like that. Especially at a good time whisper in her ear. They can love that.
    Say. “ that hurts my ears.” Because it does!


  • I think its just a phase. You could always check with the Maternal Health Nurse.


  • My son is 4 and still does the squeal. Best advice I can give is never reward the behavior. I think what you are doing is quite appropriate.


  • Aw lol my son used to scream till age 4 or so. He was known for it in the neighbourhood, you could hear him streets from a far. It’ll stop, keep courage.


  • However annoying and ear piercing it is it is essential you remain calm and in a strong tone just tell her no! Be consistent ant with it and eventually she will find another way to communicate when she doesn’t get her own way.


  • Try not to react or punish. They go thru phases


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