Tantrums and screaming

This is a hot topic and recently my son has had some of these behaviors--at 9 months! I think his "terrible twos" have come early!

So when we look at a behavior we always have to determine the function first--why is the behavior occurring?
The four functions of behavior are the following:

escape (trying to get out of something),
to gain a tangible (to get something),
automatic reinforcement (it feels good, like eating or getting a massage),
and to get attention.

These four reasons are the reasons we behave the way we do. So when your child has a behavior ask yourself why they are doing it. Are they wanting to escape the situation? Do they want my attention? Once you know why they are behaving the way they are, you can effectively treat their behaviors. So if they want attention you do not give it to them, if they want to escape you do not allow them to escape, etc.

So with the tantrums and screaming usually a child wants something tangible or attention. My son has been screaming when I take something away from him he is not suppose to have--like my cell phone. When he screams I never return the item unless he is quiet and is allowed to have the item. It is difficult when you have a young child because they cannot ask for an item.
Questions? Comments?