Hello!

My son is 14 months and lately he just follows me around screaming to get my attention. I don’t want to encourage this so I’ve been ‘ignoring’ it (for as long as possible) but then it just turns into a major temper tantrum and the screaming gets worse. I am 7.5 months pregnant and soon will have another baby to take care of and I don’t want this screaming to disturb the newborn or for the newborn to pick up on it either. I have tried telling my son “No! No more screaming!” and put him into his bed.. but nothing seems to be working and it is seriously starting to drive me crazy, to the point where my afternoons are me sitting and crying. Any advice would be muchly appreciated..


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  • Aw bless, I can imagine this is hard.
    I think your son is trying to tell you something. At this age he doesn’t have the words to express himself, nor the understanding.
    Make sure to give him enough attention and spend one-on-one with him. Give him plenty of praise and affirmation. Let him potter along with you throughout the day and involve him in your activities.


  • My bubs the same age at the moment and i just either breastfeeding him, give him water in a sippy cup, give him something to eat or put him down for a nap, usually it’s one of those things or he just want’s to play :)


  • I don’t have anything additional to add to what people have already recommended but I really hope something worked as you must have been so exhausted and probably pretty much beyond your limit. If you are still struggling I would highly recommend sending him to daycare at least a day a week so you can have a break.


  • He is probably getting jealous of the coming baby. Spend more time with him, but only when he stops screaming.


  • spend quality time with him. he might need it


  • there are some good comments here


  • maybe his bored, give him new things to do like making things out f paper


  • if you haven’t already done so, join a playgroup, it is a sanity saver for both of you, he has someone to play with, interact with, you have other mums to talk to,


  • My son went through something similar around this age to, he would scream if,i left the room and run after me, he didnt like me leaving his side. Luckily it qas just a phase he was going through.


  • If you are getting upset its time to seek some help, weather it be hubby takes your son out for a day, your son stays at nanas over night? casual care for a few hours.
    I have found with my son that ignoring him makes him 100 times worst. Maybe just let the house get messy, no tea on the table and just spend a few days cuddling your son. He might be felling a little unwell or he might just be felling alittle emotional ‘just like mum’.

    Dont worry yourself with what will happen when your new baby comes – it will all be fine! Your son will see that you have your arms full, and address that when it happens.

    I also suggest you have a nap when your son does, your body is working hard and a little extra rest could do wonders. Hang in there, its hard, but sooooooo worth it!


  • Your child is trying to tell you something. He needs your attention. At such a young age it’s hard for him to understand your needs and that you can’t be with him always. I would recommend trying to keep your cool. Def do not ignore as that makes it worse. At that age distraction would be good. Can you prepare some toys on rotation so he can have something new to play with while you complete a task. Spend as much quality time as possible and I agree with finding things you can do together while you rest. Good luck. Enjoy the last few months before #2 arrives. You will never have the same alone time together after that


  • spend some quality one on one time with him doing something he really enjoys. Like painting a picture together or reading him a book or playing with play dough. These things you can do while sitting down so it shouldn’t interfere with you being pregnant. i think he probably is cottoning on to what is happening with you being pregnant and just wants to spend some quality time with his mumma. I hope you find something that works for you. And good luck with your pregnancy and birth. xx


  • Definitely give him some love and attention in the mornings when your patience is a bit thicker. It can be exhausting having a toddler and a big belly (or newborn) but we can’t forget that for that period of time this little one was the centre of our universe. Change really does affect them and we cannot make them feel abandoned.


  • I would allocate some time for him alone where he gets your total attention. when he is following you, stop and ask him what he wants and hold his hand and let him help without the need to pick him up


  • I agree with kristy, especially about the day off – wish I could!!! It is a bot hard to tell if it is just a stage he is going through, or if he is worried about not having your attention when the baby comes. I would suggest lots and lots of cuddles and reassurances too.


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