Screaming - How to make it stop?

Kids screaming is a real pain!  And you need to get it sorted out early.  It's just something your kids are trying (a strategy) to gain attention and exert influence in their world.  Developmentally, they are trying to use a short-cut to get their way, rather than taking the harder path of behaving properly and expressing their needs politely, e.g., "Mummy, may I please have some more milk?"

First, remember that they are expressing needs, and that your priority is not to silence them but to teach them to communicate their needs in a calm and polite manner. DOn't say: "If you don't shutup, you'll be in trouble."  Rather say: "Mummy wants to listen to you, but you must speak politely."
Second, establish the rule that there must be no screaming.  If you scream once, you get a warning and explained that if they do it again, they will be given a time out.  Remind them that they are aloud to tell you about their needs, "Tell mummy, what is bothering you, what you need.  You don't have to scream."
Remember to explain the rule and give the warning with a calm but authoritative voice.  Make sure your child is listening, looking at you.  Sit them down, make sure you are at the same height.  Stay in that position until they have understood what you have explained.
If the child breaks the rule a second time after the warning had been given, then you should apply a time out.  (Read the advice on Time outs)

To be effective, disciplining must be consistent.  You must apply it always when the behavior occurs.  The rules must be the same each time, so the child know what to expect.
You should also reward the child for the correct behaviour, which is aksing for things, expressing themselves calmy and politely.  A suitable reward is a cuddle and "YOU A SUCH A GOOD GIRL!  Mummy loves you very much!"

Remember that you must try to talk to your child without raising your voice or screaming.  Sometimes we can't avoid it.  But children copy behaviour very accurately.  Make sure you do your best to be a good role model.  It may also help you to read other advices on Minti about positive approaches to discipline, bad behaviour and timeouts (see links below).

Good luck,

Wombat