If you don't, well I feel really, really incompetent right about now, because I do, but I do try really, really hard not to scream at the children. This NY Times article, For Some Parents, Shouting Is the New Spanking, rang true for me. We don't spank, although I still use tools like 1-2-3 that "don't work to change behavior" in the words of one expert quoted in the article...Oh.
In general, I have 2 triggers that put me over the edge:
I took exception to the comments of one reader, Jason from Washington D.C, who said "People who yell at others — and especially parents who yell at children — reflect a complete inability to express themselves in any meaningful, thoughtful, useful or constructive way."
Really? I have to wonder if this person is a parent or actually takes care of children? I think my friends are good parents and I would be very impressed and honestly surprised if they are able to stay cool all the time. I know I certainly can't, but I keep trying.
Help stomp out yelling today!
In general, I have 2 triggers that put me over the edge:
- When Liam is not in good shape (either getting sick, sick or missed sleep) and Lucas insists it's a good time to "play" with Liam (that is, provoke him).
- My second trigger is described in the case of one mom interviewed for the article. For this mom, like me, it is "when adult peace is within her grasp", that is, when the kids don't want to sleep. I am so ready for time away from children...but then Liam delays brushing his teeth, or wants to try and use the potty (really?? now??) or doesn't want to lie down, or wants one more last book. Somewhere in there, I'm going to explode.
I took exception to the comments of one reader, Jason from Washington D.C, who said "People who yell at others — and especially parents who yell at children — reflect a complete inability to express themselves in any meaningful, thoughtful, useful or constructive way."
Really? I have to wonder if this person is a parent or actually takes care of children? I think my friends are good parents and I would be very impressed and honestly surprised if they are able to stay cool all the time. I know I certainly can't, but I keep trying.
What's your trigger? What are your strategies for keeping a lid on it?
Help stomp out yelling today!
Comments
Luckily Lucas and Liam are so enamored when Papa is around that they do what I ask them to so I don't have to do a lot of counting and such :)
Kidding! Yes, I have yelled at Sam & I feel terrible. It doesn't ever help the situation...it never makes me feel better that I have vented...
But I felt so terrible after & basically I try really hard not to discipline out of anger.
I try soo hard to take my emotion out of it when communicating with him. I remind myself often, as I want to shriek...I say to myself, "don't discipline out of anger"