Babies and toddlers often cry, scream, or engage in temper tantrums. Why and what to do about it may not be obvious.

Young ones often express their feelings and needs through crying or emotional outbursts, as they are still developing the language skills necessary for more effective communication. One primary reason for acting out is frustration. As toddlers grow, they become more aware of their surroundings and have a strong desire to explore and interact with the world. However, their limited motor skills, cognitive abilities, and language skills often hinder them from doing things independently or effectively expressing their needs and desires. This gap between their desires and abilities can lead to frustration, which can show up as crying or tantrums.

So what can you do about your screaming toddler?  Well, that can depend on their age and the circumstances. But you can learn more about how to handle a screaming child and how to cope with your own emotions during these difficult moments.

We’ve prepared a short informational guide for you.  Just enter your email on the box on the right and you can download our eBook “How to Handle a Crying Child” FREE of charge.

Some Sample Advice from “Help! My Toddler Won’t Stop Screaming.”

The Toddler Tantrum

You’re trying to shop for groceries and your two years old decides they want a small toy they see hanging from an endcap display. Saying no, however firmly, simply results in an emotional meltdown. Now, even getting through checkout successfully seems an impossible task.

What can you do?

Dealing with a toddler’s meltdown in public can be challenging, but there are strategies to help manage the situation. The first step is to remain calm and composed. It’s important to understand that toddlers often have tantrums not out of defiance, but because they are overwhelmed by their emotions and lack the skills to express them appropriately.

Acknowledging the child’s feelings can be a good starting point. A parent might say, “I see that you really want this toy, and it’s hard when we can’t have something we want.” This approach doesn’t mean giving in to the demand, but it does show the child that their feelings are heard and understood. Often, just being acknowledged can help de-escalate a child’s distress.
Next, redirection or distraction can be an effective technique. If the child is fixated on the toy, redirecting their attention to something else can help. This could be as simple as engaging them in a different activity, like helping to pick out fruits or counting items in the cart.

The key is to make the new activity seem interesting and engaging. For instance, a parent might say, “Let’s find the biggest apple we can,” or, “Can you help me count how many items we have?”

Redirecting their focus not only distracts them from the object of their tantrum but also involves them in a helpful task, which can make them feel valued and included.
If the situation escalates and the child is inconsolable, it might be necessary to take a brief break from the task at hand. Finding a quiet corner in the store or stepping outside for a few minutes can give both the parent and child a chance to reset. During this time, a parent can offer comfort through a hug or soothing words. It’s also an opportunity to set clear and consistent boundaries in a calm manner. For instance, a parent might explain, “We can’t buy the toy today, but we can look at it for a minute before we finish shopping.”

It’s important to be firm but gentle, showing understanding while maintaining the necessary limits. Over time, consistent responses like these can help children learn to manage their emotions and reduce the frequency and intensity of tantrums.

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