schreeching

[Anonymous]

DS, 12 mos, has taken to schreeching as his primary form of communication. Mood doesn't matter: he does it when he's happy, bored, sleepy - all the time. I know this is a stage, that he's experimenting with vocalizing - but it's a stage I would really prefer to have end sooner rather than later. Anyone have any suggestions for discouraging these noises, or coping with them if they're inevitable? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

My 7 month old DS has recently taken to loud grunting... it's really weird and I have no idea what to do about it. I'd like some guidance on noise discouragement as well.

[Anonymous]

Inevitable. My son has learned to bark at our dog...sounds just like her. When he sees her, he barks. He's now 15 months, and the screeching is getting better, but when he's happy and excited, he gets really loud. He also can now repeat words you say to him. He never did the grunting, but I met many other babies that did.

[Anonymous]

As you say, loud screeching is an inevitable stage. My main suggestions is that baby signs might help a bit, if you aren't already doing them. Our favorite sign was for "help me." It definitely made us all feel less frustrated that dd could signal her desires before she could speak them.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the signs... If my son was screeching because he wanted something I would ask him what he needed and ask him to point to it. I tried my best to not let the screeching become a form of communication. I would sometimes ignore the screeching until he stopped and then ask him what he would like to do.

[Anonymous]

I taught signs and the screeching/screaming was cut to less than half its normal frequency. He only has three (more, drink, all gone) now and it made such a difference.
You can buy videos and/or books, but you can probably find something on YouTube that will show you what the signs look like (or you could make up your own).