great. that's just... great.

[snugglekitty]

L, the toddler who lives next door, has discovered the fun and excitement of screaming in order to get attention.

You can really tell the difference, even at a distance. It's obvious that she's not hurt or really upset - I've heard her scream that way before. Just... screaming, as loud and long as possible. (ETA: Maybe it's that she stops to breathe? Maybe that's how I can tell?)

If her mom reinforces this behavior by giving in to her tantrums, it's going to be a long summer.

Comments

[hanseth.livejournal.com]

We have a 4 year old living in the house next door who's been doing this ever since we moved in two years ago. Sometimes I have to leave the house.

I feel for you.....

[elkor.livejournal.com]

We have a neighbor child that we dubbed "Screamy McScreams-a-lot" for her propensity to cry loudly at the drop of a hat.... her toy.... her pacifier...

Maybe it's time to buy a super soaker? Some water baloons?

I don't suppose the neighbors leave the window to the terror's room open?

Or perhaps a polite statement that if said child screams at innapropriate hours, you'll be forced to play Bagpipe music loud enough to drown out the screaming?

'Cause, really, if you have to hear caterwauling, it should at least be caterwauling of your own choice.

Re: I feel for you.....

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

I don't suppose the neighbors leave the window to the terror's room open?

No, but she and her mom spend most mornings outside in the backyard, which is very close to all of our open windows (we don't have central air, so closing all the windows is NOT an option).

The bagpipe idea is a good one. But I think planning a bunch of playdates of my own and making sure there's a lot of screaming involved would be more fun - and probably more effective. "You figure out a way to get your child to be quiet, or you AND your child have to listen to my dates screaming in bliss..."

Re: I feel for you.....

[girliegoalie.livejournal.com]

That's awesome.

Re: I feel for you.....

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'll give the mom a few more days to figure out some strategies first.

Re: I feel for you.....

[girliegoalie.livejournal.com]

It wouldn't be the first time that blissful screams were used to combat loud children and inform the parents just how close their neighbors are.

just throwing it out there

[notpiecebypiece.livejournal.com]

I like this idea.