How To Get Your Child To Stop Shouting

As most of us parents know, some toddlers are a lot more vocal than others.

What we have to remember is your toddler is not screaming to annoy you or to be ‘bold’ but only as a way of expressing themselves the best way that they know how. 

It’s so important to remember that your little one is learning every single day. By shouting, laughing, screaming and even stamping their feet, they are expressing their emotions in a way that feels appropriate to them.

They don’t care if you’re in the bank or a fancy restaurant. They’re not mentally matured enough to know when it is appropriate to behave a certain way and when it is not. 

It is our job to teach them. Here are some tips on how to deal with your toddler's shouting.

  1. Validate their feelings.

    They may only be a toddler but what they’re feeling is very real for them. Sometimes, in the midst of trying to explain how they’re feeling, they can get frustrated and cause even more shouting. If you are somewhere that you think may be overwhelming for them, it might be best to leave. If it is something you have to do, then explain to them that you know they must be bored but you will be finished in 5 minutes or whenever it might be.  How To Get Your Child To Stop Shouting

  2. Plan your day around them

    Let’s face it, we all get a little irritable and cranky when we are hungry or tired. This is no different for your toddler. If you have something to do that you know your little one won’t be best pleased about, don’t do it when they’re almost ready for lunch or a nap. Attempt it when your little one has eaten and napped. 

  3. Keep them occupied

    If you know there are certain things that will set your little one off, like doing the grocery shopping, try to plan ahead. Bring a book or a toy they like that might keep them occupied while you do what you need to do.

  4. Teach them their indoor voice

    Again, remember they are just learning. It’s not realistic to expect them to just stop shouting. But you can take one step toward achieving this and that is to teach them about their indoor voice. Speak quietly to them so they have to stop and listen and tell them they should use their indoor voice when inside. 

  5. Ignore the stares.

    One thing most parents feel anxious about is not their little one shouting or screaming but the onlookers. Ignore them, they are either looking on in sympathy because they've been there themselves, or they don’t have children! Your little one is learning how they fit into this big world, ignore the strangers. 

Laura Doyle

Mum of four, Gentle parent living on coffee and trying always to stay positive and motivate in the midst of the madness.

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