Whinny and screaming child.. Mom going crazy... not knowing what to do
My son is teething and last week he was puking and having dirrehea. So potty training went out the window and since he was being babied.. he now thinks he can scream and cry for anything at anytime.... He has been doing this for the past couple days now. If he cant get his way he screams and cries. Like last night he wanted water at 230am and I told him no and he screamed and cried. I told him to stop, went to bed, and he continued. I went back in the bedroom and said that if he did not stop I would give him a spanking.. he finally stopped. Usually, if i do spank him... he goes louder... What do i do????????? Nap time has gone out the window now cause all he does is scream and cry and even when he gets spanked he goes louder... I AM ABOUT TO LOSE MY MIND!!!!!!
Groups:
I'm all for spanking... BUT...
only in extreme cases of misbehaving. IIf your child is screaming for attention, it's simple. Don't give him the attention!
Even spanking will reinforce the bad behavoir. Ignore him, no matter how much he screams, wait until he is quiet to give him attention; thus reinforcing the good behavior.
one day I'll be a diamond engagement ring expert
they sense frustration
I agree with the other posts, spanking when so upset will only make things worse. When I'm really frustrated or angry my kids feed off of that, so even if I have to fake being calm I try my best because then they calm down too. The other night I really wanted my son to hurry up and go to bed so I could watch Shark Week with my husband and my son was taking forever and acting up. I think it was because I was antsy. So I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy the moments even though I honestly wanted to be having my own time. He calmed right down and went to bed and my husband had paused the show and life went on.
My five year old is having tantrums again (what is that about??) and I've found I just have to have zero reaction, make sure he's safe and walk away. He stops eventually and he acts like everything is normal again (while I'm still upset with his outburst) so whose day gets ruined? mine if I let it get to me!
I also agree that having your own mommy outlet is very important especially when things are so stressful! Even just a moment or two on the phone with a sympathetic ear, whatever works for you. Take care!
Michelle Galvez, Community Editor
Stay as calm as you can
I'm sorry, this sounds really hard. I know it's much easier said than done, but if you react calmly and with little emotion to these screaming fits, I think they will pass faster (and the "phase" or whatever it is will, too) than if your son sees that he can get you all riled up with his actions. My feeling is that the spanking only increases the emotions involved and causes pain without solving the problem, as you have seen. Your son is too young to really reason with much, but if you interact with him as little as possible during this behavior he will see that it's not helping him get his way. Of course, if he is sick that's a different story and he will need the TLC, but it sounds from your post like he is better now. Notice and praise all his good behavior with extra attention and little treats. Also I would encourage you to let family and friends know you are going through a rough spell as a parent. We all do! Vent your frustrations often and whenever possible grab a break for yourself. Finally, I would just say hang in there because this will pass, even though when you're in the midst of it I know it doesn't feel that way. Good luck and keep us posted.
Alison Johnson
Whinny and Screaming
If a child has had dirrehea, then he could be thirsty and still recovering. He maybe still be sick.
Please don't hit your child when you both are upset. It only makes things worse. Instead try use a calm voice. If you want calm, then you need to be calm. Repeat this when things are bad. If you feel you might hit, put the child in his room, close the door and go to another room for a few minutes.
Try to have rest time with a book before nap time. He just may need some TLC for a few more weeks.
For teething, try child pain pills and oragel. Also favored ice or popsicles help numb the mouth for a while.
Put aside potty training and don't stress about it.
Susan Smigielski Acker, Community Editor
Susan Smigielski Acker