Well, we have begun the phase of screaming and tantrums. Isabella has started screaming for items that she wants, and when she does not get them she will throw her head back and cry. She has hit her head a few times now and then that makes her cry more. I don’t know how to get her to stop. So this week’s email from parenting.com talked about this exact thing! I was happy to see that my 13 month old is not the only one behaving this way. But it is still hard to deal with. There is an article that I am preparing to read entitled 40 Ways to Prevent Tantrums. Read here if interested.
Send me any helpful advice as well. Sometimes the screaming, crying, tantrums are driving me crazy.
I know that you don’t know me but I have a little advice (I have a 7 month, 3years, and 6 year old).
1. Always have a yes to replace the no if applicable…”I’m sorry, you can’t have…but you may have this…”
2. Don’t give the “want” if not asked sweetly. This is just something that you have to work constantly on. My Manny (3) has to ask correctly, meaning please mommy, to get something. A 13 month old can ask please too! I still have to prompt him by saying “How should you ask Mommy for…” Be consistent though.
3. Know that it takes alot for a baby or anyone to truly injure themselves. She is pushing buttons. Chances are, if she does hurt herself by accident, she will not do it again quite as hard.
4. Don’t give in.
5. Reward with lots and lots of praise when she does ask nicely or doesn’t throw a fit.
6. Ignore the tantrum. It will surprise you how soon she might give it up.
Hope this helps!
This is such a tough age because they are so active but really don’t get the consequences of their behaviors- and trying to explain things to them doesn’t help. It seemed the best thing I could do is take a deep breath, remain calm and consistently restate the rules.