Boy #4 is going through a rough patch. I’m losing my patience and my hearing. He screams and screams and screams. It’s annoying.
Right now as I attempt to write this post he’s in his room lying on the floor kicking and screaming. He turned 2 in July and this is all new to me (hard to believe seeing as he’s my 4th!). I’ve never had a child who behaves like this. Boy #3 went through a time (around 15 – 18 months old) when he screamed as a means of communication. I realize this is similar, but he’s so darn loud. It’s piercing my ears and my sanity. Have you experienced this? Suggestions are welcome. I’m so done with the screaming. Oh…I forgot to mention another element of this lovely behavior – he hits too. Lucky me as I change his diaper (he doesn’t like getting his diaper changed) that I’m subject to a punch and a slap from him – and he’s strong. I’m so tired of repeating the words – “Nice, be gentle.” It doesn’t seem to be working and sometimes I feel that my calm response actually provokes him to scream and hit more.
I understand that he’s frustrated and that these behaviors are how he deals with his frustration – not being able to communicate effectively at 2, or not able to get a word in over his brothers or maybe just being the little guy – but it stinks for all of us!
We had an awards party the other day for Boy #1 and #2, and Boy #4 SCREAMED – I walked away from the situation and brought him with me so that everyone might be able to enjoy themselves and hear their child’s name when called. I mean like he could be heard a very far distance away relentlessly belting out scream after scream… his lungs are impressive and his behavior will certainly be remembered by the crowd – as well as the stressed out look on my face. People must have thought I had no control over my kids (I kind of didn’t). I would walk by and people would tell me “I understand, I’ve been there before”…but you know they were really thinking…Thank God it’s you and not me. Get control of that screamer!
