How do you kick the screaming habit?

[BonBon]

I read the title and thought you meant screaming by the parent....I was all "ooh ooh I need that advice!".

LOL, that's what I thought too.

I give them two choices. (Mine are old enough though to understand what that means) They can quit the yelling and carrying on and use words and get to stay downstairs with everyone else, or they can go to their rooms. Their choice, but either way I'm not listening to it.

[PrincessFiona]

My husband does one better: he laughs at them (he and DCJenn have a lot in common...). I mean, REALLY laughs. The more they cry, the harder he laughs. He eggs them on, "No, no! Don't stop! Cry some more! This is better than the movies! Can you add some dramatic arm gestures? AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" They feel so mad and belittled that they stop crying and go stalking off to the bedroom.

I don't know why, but that sort of freaks me out.

I'm in the ignore it camp too. I'm not really into the laughing/belittling ... but, I DID spank Aidan last night for being completely rude to me, laughing in my face, refusing to go to bed and then telling me that I wasn't the boss. I feel terrible about it today. So don't take advice from me.

As to mommy screaming. Lately, I need a little advice on that too.

Kris

I don't know why, but that sort of freaks me out.

I'm in the ignore it camp too. I'm not really into the laughing/belittling ... but, I DID spank Aidan last night for being completely rude to me, laughing in my face, refusing to go to bed and then telling me that I wasn't the boss. I feel terrible about it today. So don't take advice from me.

As to mommy screaming. Lately, I need a little advice on that too.

Kris

I'm with you, Kris. That's totally a spanking offense.

As for the no Mommy screaming ... I'm totally hit or miss there. Mostly miss.

[diggitydot]

I'm more in the "Earplugs, Duct Tape, and Bottle of Wine" camp, myself. But I haven't had any toddlers in the house for a very long time. My kids can get bent and straighten right back up all on their own.

[GrayMatterWife]

I'm with you, Kris. That's totally a spanking offense.

As for the no Mommy screaming ... I'm totally hit or miss there. Mostly miss.

I spank (occasionally--but never in anger. It really works with DH. I've never even considered it for DD--she's only 2, so it wouldn't be age-appropriate, and she's really easy going, anyway, so she hasn't been a behavior issue thus far.) DH belittles by laughter. Might not be the preferred method for everyone, and I am sure that there is some touchy-feely child psychologist out there ready to hold us up as bad parent posterpeople...but our kids behave in public.

I get creeped out when I see parents letting their children run the show. I makes me sad and uncomfortable when people are completely beholden to their children and have no idea how to discipline or provide guidance.

[GrayMatterWife]

I'm more in the "Earplugs, Duct Tape, and Bottle of Wine" camp, myself. But I haven't had any toddlers in the house for a very long time. My kids can get bent and straighten right back up all on their own.

For the kid or the parent?

I'd seriously consider it if the duct-tape was for the kid and the wine was for the parent.

[peggyfromwastate]

I spank (occasionally--but never in anger. It really works with DH.

I guess I'll have to try spanking my DH when he gets out of line too. LOL

We don't laugh, per se, but sometimes making a funny pouty face (for a pouter, not a screamer) ends up in giggles on both sides. (You know, the "don't you dare smile" thing...)

I agree with preventing it - scheduled activities are hands-down the most effective discipline in our household.

That can't prevent all the tantrums, though. Depending on the type of tantrum, I either ignore it or take them to their cribs. Even I go to my room when I'm cranky... They can come out when they're ready to be happy. Often they appear in the doorway announcing, "I'm HAPPY now!" Or if they come out and are not happy, back they go.

We have also spanked, but I like having other options for most things.

[diggitydot]

Earplugs and wine for me, duct-tape for them.

Seriously, I had a friend give me duct-tape and earplugs. At my baby shower.

[HouseofWool]

We don't laugh, per se, but sometimes making a funny pouty face (for a pouter, not a screamer) ends up in giggles on both sides. (You know, the "don't you dare smile" thing...)

I agree with preventing it - scheduled activities are hands-down the most effective discipline in our household.

That can't prevent all the tantrums, though. Depending on the type of tantrum, I either ignore it or take them to their cribs. Even I go to my room when I'm cranky... They can come out when they're ready to be happy. Often they appear in the doorway announcing, "I'm HAPPY now!" Or if they come out and are not happy, back they go.

We have also spanked, but I like having other options for most things.

I often send C to his room if he is acting out with the edict that he can return to be with the rest of us when he can use him manners/is happy again etc. It works well. He sometimes just needs space to work out his negative emotions. Glory knows he has had enough crap dealt to him, but it does not justify poor behavior.

[diggitydot]

We don't make fun of the kids, but do use humor to help them see the ridiculous aspect to the situation. And maybe some sarcasm. OK, a lot of sarcasm. Particularly with the oldest.

[GrayMatterWife]

I guess I'll have to try spanking my DH when he gets out of line too. LOL

HAHAHAHA!! Freudian slip on my part?

Works on him, too...just kidding!!

[DCJenn]

Just to clarify- I'm not pointing a finger hysterically laughing at him but usually I can't keep a straight face when he's all verklempt about something or another. I TRY to take it seriously but usually I end up laughing and then he ends up laughing and then it's all better. I don't want to make fun of the poor kid! I can't do the sending to the room anymore because he won't go and he gets even more pissed off if I attempt to carry him in to his room so if it's a super bad tantrum I'll leave and go sit on the front porch. He usually chills out and comes to find me.

J.