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I took a 13 month old a couple of months ago. Mom and dad said that he had a high pitch squeal, it had been going on for months, they hadn't been able to stop it, and they just wanted to warn me. I just figured it was a passing thing and didn't give it much thought.
Big mistake. Now I wonder if that isn't what forced his old provider into retirement. Now, the other toddler his age has picked it up. It turns into a squealing contest-who can squeal the loudest and longest.
When he is happy, or frustrated, sometimes when he is just calmly sitting in the floor playing, he lets out this ear-pearcing scream. It will bring you up out of your chair! It isn't usually associated with anger--he has a whole other sound for that, but sometimes, it almost seems like the joy is just bubbling up inside and has to explode.
I've had 2 kids in behavior therapy, the head of the challenging behavior program is a friend, I've been trained by experts on challenging behavior, and this has me stumped. I've used everything I can think of, and both parents are on board.
I've ignored, pointedly turned my back, looked them in the eye and firmly said No, put them in their beds for a few minutes, stopped playing with them when they squeal, etc.
Does anyone have any other ideas? I'm about ready to give up and buy earplugs.
Big mistake. Now I wonder if that isn't what forced his old provider into retirement. Now, the other toddler his age has picked it up. It turns into a squealing contest-who can squeal the loudest and longest.
When he is happy, or frustrated, sometimes when he is just calmly sitting in the floor playing, he lets out this ear-pearcing scream. It will bring you up out of your chair! It isn't usually associated with anger--he has a whole other sound for that, but sometimes, it almost seems like the joy is just bubbling up inside and has to explode.
I've had 2 kids in behavior therapy, the head of the challenging behavior program is a friend, I've been trained by experts on challenging behavior, and this has me stumped. I've used everything I can think of, and both parents are on board.
I've ignored, pointedly turned my back, looked them in the eye and firmly said No, put them in their beds for a few minutes, stopped playing with them when they squeal, etc.
Does anyone have any other ideas? I'm about ready to give up and buy earplugs.
They do it for attention so don't feed into it. One of them does it when I lay them down on their cots and put my finger to my mouth whispering ssshhh, she'll screech a couple times. I just walk away. I've been trying hard to ignore it and hoping they outgrow it sometime soon.
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