You may be at your wit’s end when it comes to your kid’s behavior. It doesn’t mean you should abandon reason and constantly yell at them. For many parents, yelling is not left to as a last resort; however, if you constantly yell at your kids to try and correct their behavior, you may be doing more harm than good. Yelling directly and negatively impacts your kids and the way they perceive themselves and also their feelings of social acceptance. It can also negatively impact you, the parent, as well since it is a regretful behavior that can make you feel guilty after it’s done. In order to stop yelling at your kids, you need to be actively aware of your behavior and reaction to your kids. Here are five ways to help you stop yelling at your kids.
1. Follow through on your threats. For many parents, they tend to repeat their commands dozens of times before their kids finally do what they are asked. In order to save your patience and to instill good behavior, don’t repeat your command. Instead, if your kids decide not to listen, follow through and punish them, then ask them to do what they are told. Continue this process until it’s instilled in your kids that you mean what you say the first time.
2. Remove yourself from the situation. Speaking with your kids when you are angry in the moment will only make matters worse, and also give you a higher chance of going in a yelling tirade. If you find you’re getting angrier and angrier, just go to a different room and give yourself a breather. It allows you to gather your thoughts and peacefully find a solution to whatever was getting you angry in the first place.
3. Understand why your kid is behaving this way. There is usually always a reason for a kid to be defiant or rebellious. Instead of yelling at him, speak to your child and find out what’s going on. When kids feel they are in a safe area, they will not be as defensive and can open up about why they currently have such rotten behavior. Once you understand what’s going on, tell him rationally, but firmly this behavior is not acceptable and also why.
4. Praise your kids for what they do right. Sometimes kids just want attention from their parents. It’s up to you to show them that proper behavior will garner positive, wanted attention while bad behavior will result in them getting no attention at all. If you show no reaction, your kids will realize their bad behavior tactic isn’t working.
5. Know what really sets you off. Every parent has a trigger that will set them off. Figure out what it is and figure out for yourself what you can do to respond better. If it’s your kids throwing a temper tantrum, leave the room and come back when things have settled a bit. Don’t respond instinctively and make the situation worse.
