Even though Clara is pretty darn cute, and very loveable she does have a slight flaw. She is a screamer. What started out as a cute little squeal has turned into a full blown, ear-drum-breaking scream that makes my teeth hurt. It has an extremely high pitch and it is LOUD. She does it when she is happy, she does it when she is mad, and she does it to get attention. I don't know what to do. I tell her no, I put her in time out, but she continues to persist.
This afternoon we were walking through the grocery store. Both the kids were riding in the germ infested car cart that I swore I would NEVER - EVER let my kids ride in. They were goofing off with one another. He was tickling her and she had him in a head lock. I didn't really care because they were both strapped in and contained - and they were laughing. Then Clara started her screaming. Grocery stores with high ceilings and cement floors are amazing. They amplify sound and make it seem louder than it really is. I was sure glass jars were breaking all over the store. I tried to get her to stop. I reached down and covered her mouth with my hand and told her, "no." I then heard a lady in customer service ask, "WHAT was that?" I was walking by her and said, "I'm sorry, I know it's really loud." She then answered back, "Oh, that was her? I had no idea what that noise was."
.
Somebody told me that they knew of someone who would squirt their daughter with a spray bottle every time she would scream. I don't think I could do that. When I was growing up we did that to our cat every time he would jump up on the counters. Plus, I think I would have to walk around the house with a spray bottle in a holster in order to catch her in the act.
So, if anyone has any advice, please - for the love of all who have ears - do share.
4 comments:
We had the same problem! The cure you wonder? VINEGAR! It doesn't hurt them, but they don't care for the taste! I just stick my finger in the bottle then wipe it inside their lips or cheek- wherre ever I can get! My friend is too afraid her kids will bite her so she uses a medicine syringe. It will only take a few times- then you just have to warn and they stop. It is also used in our house for not nice words.
Good luck!!
Squirt bottle seems weird to me too- reminds me of a naughty pet!
I don't have any magic advice for you. I remember walking in the door from high school, slamming the door and screaming like that :S I was an emotional little one.
My 3 year old son started saying "I hate you" all the time and I just started replying, "I can't hear you when you say that," and ignoring him if he continued to say it. It's not nearly as much fun that way and he's almost completely stopped, but that's a far cry from an ear shattering scream. It might lessen your credibility if you claimed you couldn't hear her screaming ;P
Good luck! I hope you post the magic cure if you find it.
Oh Amy, I feel for you, but I don't have any advice. You would think with all my kids I would, but mine didn't scream.
I do like the vinegar idea tho' - sounds like that might work [harmless and effective, I think] but the spray bottle [too] reminds me of an errant cat. Besides, she might get a kick out of it.
The one suggestion I do have for public is leave the store/church/movie/restaurant the second she starts. Let her know it is unacceptable and that you are disappointed that you couldn't finish shopping/worshipping/watching/eating. My kids didn't scream, but they weren't allowed to act up/act out and I would just pack 'em up and go. They soon discovered I wasn't a happy camper if we had to do that.
Good luck. And you are so right - she is soooo cute. :D
First: I am laughing so hard right now!
Second: Thomas had this horrible screech we called the velociraptor.
Third,: Good luck, I am sure everyone is giving better advice than me.
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