Help! 9 mo. old throwing fits?

[mdmcfadden]

My 9 month old had been throwing fits lately and when I put him down for a nap or bedtime, he has a screaming fit for about 15-20 minutes before he gives up and falls asleep. He just screams at the top of his lungs as mad as can be. Also, when I am sitting idle (as I am now on the CP) he stands and just clings and pulls on me the entire time. He also throws a fit the entire time he's in his car seat, flailing his arms and arching his back. I don't know what to do I'm going crazy. Do I ignore him or scold him or what? Please help

[crazy'bout my baby]

Well, unless he's hurt I'd say to try and ignore him... Mine isn't as bad, but she's been getting a lot trickier lately- testing me and my husband to see what works and doesnt... right now her biggest thing is throwing a fit to get us to hold her... at first we would do just that, go and hold her- but then she started doing it for other things too... so now we've tried to backtrack and ignore when she seeks our attention that way and really give her attention when she does something positive... yes though, it is REALLY frustrating when they throw fits all the time- I feel for ya :)

[MommaC]

I would probably try ignoring first, too. If you're going to scold, remain calm and keep a firm but calm voice. Tell her simply, "No screaming," and turn away. I'd also put my finger over my daughter's mouth so she knew what I was getting at (because I'm sure she had no idea what I was saying).

[relocatednyc]

Try to draw as little attention to it as you possibly can. Don't show that they make you mad or get to you, and don't show that they work either.
If you give the fits any power, then he will see that and use them more and they will become a real problem in the future.
If you make sure not to give them attention, he will learn now that they don't work and they will become less and less frequent and will be for shorter lengths of time.
Best of luck!