Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina 
Kyle (3), on the other hand, is very sensitive and has had some sensory development issues. When he gets tired or upset, he usually loses it and will scream and cry continuously -- it takes him a long time to calm down even if we try to help him. For example, if he sees a bug, he may scream for 20 minutes straight. If you look at him a certain way, he'll scream. If you ask him to do something, he'll scream. When we travel with him, he spends a good part of the trip screaming at the top of his lungs because of his sensitivity and sensory issues.
He's gradually getting better and will probably outgrow this phase within the next year or two.  |
Steve, I hate to assign negative labels, but isn't this a tantrum?
There's a positive way of dealing with them.
1. Stay calm. He's trying to get you to freak out.
2. Raise your expectations. Say "Kyle, you're a big boy now. Screaming like this is only for babies."
3. Refuse to interact with him unless it's on your terms. Say "Kyle, I don't understand baby screaming. Talk to me with big boy words."
4. If he refuses and you are at home, ignore him until he cooperates. If you are in a public place and both you and Erin are together, one of you can bring him to the car and wait with him there. If you and Erin are apart, do your best to act as if nothing is happening while making sure that he is safe.
Rhamina Bawldwin might be a good source.