My toddler is a screamer

[Anonymous]

My toddler, 18 months, screams loudly whenever he doesn’t get what he wants. I didn’t think it was a problem until we went to our first music class yesterday and I noticed (as did others) that he’s the only screamer. He’s also aggressive - more than the other kids his age - and if I am not on top of him he’ll take their instruments or hit/touch them. Basically he was the worst kid in class.

What should I do? I feel like I was getting dirty looks yesterday.

[Anonymous]

He’s not ready for that class and may never be. He might need more physical activity that a class like that typically does.

I hope you left when you became aware it wasn’t your sons thing rather than ruin the class for others.

[Anonymous]

He is 18 months! Of course he screams and grabs. Don’t send him places where he can’t be a toddler (like a calm music class) - that’s just mean.

[Anonymous]

Move on to something he likes. He will outgrow this. I had a toddler that would stick her fingers in other kids' noses and mouths. Boundaries just wasnt a thing for her until she was older. Now she's in highschool and very respectful of others' personal space.

[Anonymous]

I thought this was going to be about a 3-4 year old. My 3.5 year old is a screamer, it's HARD. 18 month olds are all screamers. They don't have the words to express themselves yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He is 18 months! Of course he screams and grabs. Don’t send him places where he can’t be a toddler (like a calm music class) - that’s just mean.

It’s also mean to act as though being a toddler necessarily means needing something more active. Clearly this boy does need that, but other kids like calmer environments. It’s just about different personalities.

[Anonymous]

Is he on track developmentally otherwise? When does it happen? How do you address this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought this was going to be about a 3-4 year old. My 3.5 year old is a screamer, it's HARD. 18 month olds are all screamers. They don't have the words to express themselves yet.

No, They are not.

[Anonymous]

My kid never did well in those group classes when he was younger. He just wasn't having any of it.

Nothing wrong with him -- just a personality thing.

[Anonymous]

Screaming at that age can be an early indicator for other things going on. You’ll have to give more context, frequency, examples to know if it’s truly typical. At minimum talk to your pediatrician about anything that raises a red flag for you, particularly at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Screaming at that age can be an early indicator for other things going on. You’ll have to give more context, frequency, examples to know if it’s truly typical. At minimum talk to your pediatrician about anything that raises a red flag for you, particularly at this age.

OP here. I’m concerned. He screams every time he doesn’t immediately get what he wants - which is every three minutes or less in this music class. I’m afraid it isn’t normal and made an appointment with our pediatrician. He isn’t a happy kid.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I thought this was going to be about a 3-4 year old. My 3.5 year old is a screamer, it's HARD. 18 month olds are all screamers. They don't have the words to express themselves yet.

No, They are not.

[Anonymous]

Some kids just can't do these types of music classes. Maybe find a Little Gym type of class instead. He probably needs something more active.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Screaming at that age can be an early indicator for other things going on. You’ll have to give more context, frequency, examples to know if it’s truly typical. At minimum talk to your pediatrician about anything that raises a red flag for you, particularly at this age.

OP here. I’m concerned. He screams every time he doesn’t immediately get what he wants - which is every three minutes or less in this music class. I’m afraid it isn’t normal and made an appointment with our pediatrician. He isn’t a happy kid.

Thank you.

Yes that’s a very good idea. Let me know if you’d like some possible next steps. I don’t want to overwhelm you so early in the discovery process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Screaming at that age can be an early indicator for other things going on. You’ll have to give more context, frequency, examples to know if it’s truly typical. At minimum talk to your pediatrician about anything that raises a red flag for you, particularly at this age.

OP here. I’m concerned. He screams every time he doesn’t immediately get what he wants - which is every three minutes or less in this music class. I’m afraid it isn’t normal and made an appointment with our pediatrician. He isn’t a happy kid.

Thank you.

Yes that’s a very good idea. Let me know if you’d like some possible next steps. I don’t want to overwhelm you so early in the discovery process.

OP here. Please share them with me when you have time. Thank you so, so much.