Understanding the Power of a Toddler's Screeching

A parent reaches out to Janet Lansbury regarding her two-year-old son's incessant screeching. The parent has tried various strategies, such as explaining that it hurts her ears or threatening to leave if he doesn't stop, but nothing has worked. Janet explains that the screeching behavior gains power when the child sees the effect it has on his mother. It becomes a way for him to exert his independence and test his influence. To address this, Janet advises the parent not to give the behavior any power and not let it bother her. By calmly acknowledging the screeching and not letting it disrupt her, the parent can help the child understand that this behavior doesn't have the desired effect and gradually discourage it.