Want to know the secret to never having to shout at your kids again? This, ladies and gentlemen, is the parenting tip of all parenting tips. The secret is pretty easy actually, and it’s something that we all know to do, but don’t. It’s amazing how we take certain things for granted, when in fact, they are the very things that could make our lives easier.
You ready for the tip?
You need to get closer.
Sit back and think about all the times that you’ve had to raise your voice. You’ve probably had to shout because your kids were fighting, creating a mess, doing something they shouldn’t be doing. Looking at that train of thought though, where are you in the scenario?
Were you on the phone and excused yourself so you could shout at the kids to keep quiet? Were you in the kitchen while shouting at your kids to quit fighting? Chances are, you were far away from your kids and chose to shout because at the moment, it was the more convenient thing to do. However, when you think about it, it doesn’t do anything but give you temporary relief. Chances are, after a few minutes of silence, the children will go back to doing what they were doing.
Instead of shouting from upstairs or across the room, go over to your child, get down to their level, put a reassuring hand on their shoulder and while maintaining eye contact, give them your instructions in a respectful tone.
According to Dayna, a mother of two and the brains behind lemonlimesadventure.com,
“I would walk over to the children needing my assistance. I would quietly place my hand on their shoulder or their back. I would bend down and speak to them in a kind and respectful tone. I would tell them what I need from them and give them suggestions for how to change their behavior. This simple tip worked 90% of the time. How had I forgotten this simple tip? … 90% of the time this has worked for me. When I remember to use this simple tip first, chances are the yelling doesn’t happen. Chances are, I can keep the peace in our home and not let things spiral out of control.”
Do you find yourself constantly yelling at your kids? Give this tip a try and let us know how it goes. If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.
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