Question
Hi. I am having some difficulties with my 13-month-old. He is stubborn, disobedient and he screams quite a bit if he doesn’t get his way. He does not yet talk, and I was told that screaming is his way of showing his frustration because he cannot communicate.
Some examples: He will throw food on the floor, which I know is normal to some degree but he will throw everything on the floor. I tell him we don’t throw food on the floor and to give it to me if he doesn’t want to eat it. Looking me in the eye, he will yet again throw it all on the floor. This is frustrating not only because he is wasting food but also because it seems he is doing it on purpose. I know he doesn’t yet have impulse control and I try to distract him, but oftentimes his behavior makes me angry and I am ashamed to say I revert to yelling. I am wondering if the screaming is him modeling my behavior. I need help with him and help with my own reactions.
