Screaming for attention

blueyd1

So my DS has developed the lovely habit of screaming when he's not getting the attention he feels he wants (eg, he's in his high chair in the kitchen while I'm doing dishes, even though I'm talking to him as I'm washing). These aren't long, tantrum-y screams, more like 1-second shouts, but they are ear piercing.

How can we break this habit? We tell him no, but it doesn't seem to affect him (aka he laughs and coos). He also does these little yelps when he's playing and excited, which I'm fine with. But I don't like that he does this when he's feeling like he needs more attention. I usually pick him up after he does it, but now I'm worried that's rewarding his screams. Should we ignore it and hope he realizes it's not a way to get our attention?

Just looking for some advice. Thanks everyone!

MarSamWhitney

I suppose its the only way he knows to communicate right now.  If you can't tend to him right away, I would just ignore it. Im the type of person that would find that cute though ;-)

brymanda

IF it's not a behavior you want him to continue with, ignore it. Give him a little extra attention during the time that he's being quiet and playing which will reinforce that you are still there with him and will be providing him the little spurts of extra attention that he wants.

LynsiBHM

like the pp said... positive reinforcement. I don't think they understand the word no yet. Just give him extra attention when he's being "good" and ignore the cries for attention unless you think he actually needs you. 

I'm trying to break the screaming habit too, but my son screaches in public. We'll be going up and down the aisles in a store and he just lets out this high pitched scream for no reason... he's usually smiling when he does it but it sounds like i'm pinching him or something. People always look. Some smile and think it's cute and others give me that "shut your kid up" face  LOL  He also babbles a lot when he's in his carriage, so I try to encourage that and ignore the screeches.

alisonemma

Anna does this too, and we've been saying, "AnNA!" in a not so happy voice.  But that probably doesn't help.  I'm going to try the ignoring tactic.  That worked with our dog (LOL), so maybe it'll work with our baby!!

blueyd1

Thanks ladies, we will try to ignore it. I have a feeling it will get worse before it gets better (ie, he'll scream more and more until we pay attention to him) but I think it will be worth it in the end.

We definitely make sure he gets lots of attention each night at home (either my DH or I are always interacting with him), so I'm thinking maybe this is another way of him playing with us?

And I agree with MarSamWhitney that it was super cute in the beginning. But now it's seriously painful. I had no idea a baby's voice could get that high pitched!