2 Behaviours: Screamer and "encourager"

[Lou]

Hi Ladies! I have a new 2 yrs old boy that started in Sept and I need some advice regarding 2 behaviours that are making me crazy.
1) He screams. Not an unhappy scream, a happy one...but a CONSTANT one!! In the last week, he has started screaming a LOT during play. And to make matters worse, when he screams..my other 2 two year olds mimic and my poor head can't take it anymore. I remind him each and every time, "No screaming, inside voices" and "sssshhhhh", and cut him off mid scream so he knows which behaviour isn't ok.

How have you dealt with screaming in the past?? What has worked for you?

and 2) If another child misbehaves and I am talking to them sternly, or putting them in time out, he watches and laughs (and continues to laugh). The effect it has is that the child that I am disciplining sees him laughing and takes it as encouragment to continue the negative behaviour...OR...the child who is being disciplined will start laughing too, in which it becomes very difficult to get my message across.

Advice on either (or please both!) of these things? Thank you!

[playfelt]

Laughing at a child being disciplined is grounds for having a time out too. On the screaming not much you can do. If they were older they would understand the concept of indoor voice - toddlers not so much. They make the noise cause they can and it gets a reaction. You might have some success starting with the encouragers with the idea just because child A is screaming does not give you permission to disobey the rules and scream too. When there is nothing positive from the screaming the other one might stop too. Or just pray they all grow up quickly.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Laughing at a child being disciplined is grounds for having a time out too. On the screaming not much you can do. ....

Agreed I would be inclined to do the 'what is happening with Johnny is none of your business so go play ~ if you want to make it your business by laughing at him you will find yourself in a time out too'

With screaming I just continually remind them 'shhhh too loud inside' and cover my ears ~ they eventually get it!

[Momof4]

I completely agree with playfelt. This child needs discipline every time he misbehaves and his parents should be on board with helping him change his ways or they are in for a world of hurt. He sounds like a real rebel and trust me, it gets worse when a rebel turns into a teenager!

Anyway, is there light at the end of the tunnel when you go on your mat leave? Can you make sure you replace him?