Despite the fact that I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and years of experience working with children, when it comes to this parenting gig I still struggle with things, just like everyone else.
One of my biggest battles is with yelling.
I yell. I yell way too often. I loose it and I rant and rave and yell.
In the beginning it feels quite good to yell, it feels good to let it out. It feels like this is the only way I can get my message across, the only way I can regain some control. When I begin yelling I feel powerful and totally justified.
But then I realise what I am doing.
I suddenly see and hear this angry person spewing forth angry words on the people I love more than anything in the world. It scares me that I could ever feel like is ok, and it makes me sad.
When I blogged about not wanting to regret shouting I was surprised at how many people told me they felt the same way. It made me feel a little better to know that I was not alone, but it also made me think. I don’t have all the answers (not by a long shot) and I know this will challenge me (a lot!) but I’m going to work on ways to yell less… who’s with me?
How to stop yelling at your kids… or at least try to
Before I Start Yelling…
It’s always easier to stop something before it begins don’t you think? And it’s easier to be successful at something if you set yourself up for that success. So I’ve been looking at how I can stop yelling before I am even angry. What can I do to change myself and the environment so that I don’t even get to the point of wanting to yell?
Find Your Triggers
After thinking about it for a while I realised that I often loose it and yell when I am frustrated by something other than my children. When I am feeling stretched by everything I have to do, when other things in my life are not going right, when I feel generally stressed and out of control, that is when the little things set me off into that downward spiral of yelling.
While the fact that I take my stress out on my kids was a hard truth to face, it is actually quite liberating in a way. This is something I can actively change. I can’t change the fact that four year olds whine and that seven year olds like to say “It’s not fair” a hundred times a day, but I can change how many things I put on my to do list. I can identify those things that stress me and work out ways to either let them go or deal with them better.
What are your yelling triggers?
A Positive First Response.
The idea is simple…. work out the types of situations that frustrate you and pre-plan a ‘positive first response’.
For example – It really pushes my buttons when my girls whine about how things are ‘so unfair’. When it happens I want to scream at them and tell them not to be ungrateful and send them to their rooms, except I know that won’t achieve anything and that isn’t the way I want to parent. So I sat down and I thought about it. I thought about why they say that, about how they are feeling, about what they understand. I thought about what I could do and say when they say that and I wrote myself a little script.
So now when someone says those fateful words, and I’m in that moment of wanting to yell I don’t have to think too hard to come up with a better response. I can just recite my little script… “Being fair doesn’t mean being equal. Everyone gets what they need when they need it, that is fair.” and hopefully not yell.
When I’m in the Moment…
When I am in the moment… right there… angry and frustrated and feeling unheard. What do I do then? How do I stop myself tipping over the edge and being the crazy shouting Mum?
Walk Away
It seems so obvious, just walk away, but oh boy it can be SO hard for me to do!
When I am on the verge of yelling I need to just take a breath and walk away. I don’t have to engage in whatever the problem is right then, that instant. It is ok for me to step away and come back when I have had a chance to think things through and find some rationality. If it really is a problem it will still be there when I come back to it, or perhaps it’s not such a big deal in the first place and giving the kids a chance to sort it out on their own is a fabulous thing.
Not only does taking a break give me a chance to calm down and not yell, it also shows my children that it is ok to walk away, it is ok not to fight, or to take a moment to yourself when you need it. I think that is an important lesson to teach.
Redirect Your Energy
When my kids lash out at someone or something I often tell them that it is ok to feel like hitting but it is not ok to hurt someone or break something and that they could instead hit a pillow or kick a ball to get that feeling out. I need to take my own advice.
After I’ve walked away I’m going to do some mundane physical activity. I’m going to redirect my frustrated energy into something like folding the washing, or cleaning the bedroom, or gardening. I need an activity that I can do without thinking too much, to give my brain a chance to slow down and think things through, and I need an activity that is physical enough to help get out some of that tension.
What would your mundane activity of choice be?
Make a Funny
Humour is something I’ve been using more and more of late. Doing something to make everyone laugh can really change the tone of the situation. When everything feels like it’s about to go to hell in a hand basket try telling a fart joke or singing a favourite song replacing the half of the words with ‘poo’.
“Baa Baa Poo Sheep, have you any poo?” Come on… who can yell when they are singing something like that??
It’s hard to stay angry when you are being silly and funny. It is hard to yell when you are busy telling a joke or acting the fool. Being funny can be enough to remind myself of the parent I want to be.
After I’ve Yelled
I feel crap after I’ve yelled. I feel like a big huge parenting failure. But there is still something positive I can do, even after I’ve yelled.
Apologise
Saying I’m sorry, and really meaning it, is important. I don’t need to go into details and tell my kids what a terrible mother I am, they don’t need to hear that. But they do need to hear that sometimes everyone makes mistakes, sometimes everyone gets angry and says or does things they don’t mean, and that is ok. Even when I’m angry I still love them and even when I’ve made a mistake they still love me.
Cut Yourself Some Slack!
I can beat myself up for days after I loose it. I easily fall into that cycle of self talk that goes something like… “I suck at this parenting gig, why on earth did I think having four children would be a good idea, they deserve better than me….” But you know, that is not going to help me be a better parent. I am not perfect, I will never be perfect. I make mistakes, and that is ok. Instead of being down on myself I’m just going to pick myself up, dust myself off and try to do better next time. After all… that is all we can do.
This is something I struggle with and I don’t have all the answers so I’d love to hear the things you do to try and avoid yelling at your kids.
oh my goodness – the timeliness of this post!
I’m a yeller … even more so since I quit smoking in April. Just a HORRID yeller and screamer. So embarrassing !!
I love the poo suggestion … and love the “drink a glass of water” solution – so brilliant … not only are you combining the walking away, but also getting in some needed water.
:)
Yours in trying to not yell so much, and to apologize better when I goof up. (thx for this!)
Funny you are posting about something so personal. It is yelling that made me stop and examine my own feelings, which I’ve posted on a couple of times now. Check it out http://momistheonlygirl.blogspot.com
I missed this post back in June. I have felt the same way for awhile now. I was the zen parent until Xanthe was born. Then I became the yelly mummy. I have recently purchased “Buddism for mothers of young children” and that is helping.
What you said about being silly instead is what I do a lot. And it helps so much. My son is only 3 so it doesn’t take much to make him laugh. I also have photos in my bedroom of my son as a newborn on my chest. When I need to regroup I look at those photos. It reminds me how precious he is and how hugely I love him and how much we are each others whole world and how I don’t want yelling to be a part of that world. I still have moments but it’s better than it was.
Wow… While reading this I’ve just come to a horrible realisation. You ask what’s your mundane job of choice and it hit a chord with me… With my DH I’ve always just walked away and I’ll clean like a woman possessed (and mutter away under my breath like a crazy woman) until I’be worked through it all in my head, cleared it a bit and worked out exactly just who is in the wrong (often it’s me), and how I can discuss with DH this issue (or *ahem* quietly ignore if the issue is me), but I don’t do this with my kids…
My kids I yell. They don’t understand, they just see horrible Mummy yelling at them for no discernible reason. Geez if I’m going to yell it should really be at DH, he’s the adult, he gets it, but to do this to my beautiful children is something I so don’t want to be doing… And yes, when I look back at it, I am mostly getting frustrated at trying to fit in too much. Trying to get out the door sonewhere and my little girl wants to turn back and get her favourite toy when we are already running late (geez whats 30seconds) or she’s gone and knocked over the folding and sat on another pile I’ve just done (probably because she wants to sit in the floor near me whilst I am doing it).
In the wee hours of the early morning, in a quiet house with no distractions except for a gorgeous baby boy dozing post-feed on my arm, it’s easy to recognise that all SHE wants is some of my time… How simple is that? She needs more of it and I shpuld be giving it to her while she still wants it. Big wake up call… Thank you, and sorry for the big comment, it just hit a very strong chord with me. I will be taking all of your suggestions in…
Thanks, Kate. I came here after following a link and your comments are so profound, reasonable and succinct. It’s a real, “why didn’t I think of that myself?” revelation to read them. My children are away camping with my husband at the moment, but when they return I am going to make a real effort to your words of wisdom into my daily life.
One other thing (and please, please don’t let this negate all I said in the earlier paragraph), you write so articulately that I feel I must point out that it’s actually ‘lose’, not ‘loose’ in the context you are using the word (eg. ‘I am going to lose my mind’ vs ‘I have a loose tooth’).
Thanks for posting!
arrgh that damn lose and loose…. I can never remember which is which! If only spell check could read my posts and pop in the correct word for me! Thanks for letting me know!
Oh my gosh this made me cry with relief! I just found your blog and more specifically this post and the relief at knowing I’m not the only yeller is profound! I have 2 little boys and after having severe postnatal issues with my first son he’s become my target when I’m under stress or tired. Any little thing he does that isn’t exactly right has had me doing my nut. Its so distressing because hes the gentlest most loving child and being yelled at is awful for him. I’ve been on a mission for almost a year now to change the way I parent before I run out of time and cause permanent issues between me and my babies (my oldest just turned 4 and my youngest is almost 18m) but the yelling is so hard to conquer!!!! Thanks for the suggestions and also for the very timely assurance that I’m not alone with this!
Ive just found this post as old as it is, having the worst day ever my son 7 wrote me a note saying he doent like me because i shout at him.dont think ive actually stopped crying since 8am, now 11am. So devastated that this has built up to such an experience that he has had to make his feelings clear on paper.
My 2 yr old is in the terrible 2 stages and hubbie works lots, ive always worked up until my second came and feeling totally frustrated and taking it out on my son. I hate myself right now but but this post has helped me to know that i am not the only one :(
You are so not alone!
And you know, as bad as it seems now, there is always tomorrow. And I don’t think it is the end of the world to show our kids that sometimes we all make mistakes and do and say things we shouldn’t when we are tired/frustrated/upset…. and it’s important to show them that we don’t give up, that we keep trying and that we can improve and change….
Hi there,
I read your post after today’s link to ‘messy kids modern parents’ and it was beautifully written and resonates with so many women.
About a year and a half ago I started my webshop (www.modernforkids.com) and there are times where I think I bit off more than I can chew since I have a 2 and 4 year old as well and as a result when overwhelmed by business responsibilties and the two boys are bickering – the yelling starts…or when it takes far too long to get out the door to school in the morning…I will continue to check out your posts and will be sure to take a deep breath and put it in perspective – especially since it was my choice to start my own business….! Best from Toronto
OK, I know that this post was written ages ago in internet years, but I wanted to say that I think it’s fantastic and everyone could learn something from it.
The making a funny part rubbed me a little wrong. That is my mom’s ONLY way of dealing with conflict or an uncomfortable situation. So there are never any real conversations there and it has always frustrated me (yeah I’ve tried talking to her about…). But if used every once in awhile I can see how it would be a great coping technique!
Really fantastic post, thank you for being so honest!
Hi! Thanks so much for this. I to have been in situations where I have lashed out at my kids and blamed my anger on them – even when they are not the problem. I find the need to let loose and yelling sometimes feels good to release my anger but then after feel horrible, disgusting and really think that I am a bad mum! Its so hard sometimes to keep it all together inside and keep cool working mum, doing it all running around for kids etc then coming home exhausted kids ratty and not loosing it has been hard. I will now try and BREATHE and walk into my garden even it it means carrying one kid out with me to stop the fighting. I will try and it is time to change my behaviour in order to save some sanity in my house.
Hi Kate, I think you’ve written a great article here. My shout-o-meter has been red hot lately and my two young boys are looking like deer in headlights way too often. You have really captured the emotions that we mums go through and given some practical clear advice on what we can do to change the situation. Even though your advice is really simple and kinda obvious, it is helpful to have it written down and brought together in this way. Thanks so much! This one is getting printed and put in my bedside drawer!
This is a GREAT post and has given me some food for thought as well as some practical techniques to try. I never thought I would be the yelling mom (my mother was one, so why I thought I wouldn’t be??) but here I am, yelling more than I care to admit. And like you, many times it’s really not the kids, it’s that I feel frazzled, or that I haven’t eaten all day, I’m tired, or whatever. Lately, I have really tried to reign in my yelling and I have improved, but I want more for my children… and for myself. Great post and great reminder that we are all striving to be better.
Hi just discovered this even though its so old its really relevant and nice to hear mums as opposed to moms talking. I am feeling really heartbroken about my behavior with my kids I feel as if I am always yelling ,I am often surprised it is occuring as it seems to come on so suddeny out of nowhere such silly things will set me off,this unpredictability is so horrible for my kids. When im yelling I seem unable to stop from saying really hurtful things which I certainly dont mean and then absolutely despise myself for later,i desperately need this to stop as I adore my kids and cant bear the thought of being such a negative force in our family. I have been doing this all on my own for years their dad and I had a pretty awful time he has basically abandoned us and has nothing really to do with us , I cant stand the thought of screwing up their personalities or doing a crap job as a mum,i never dreamed I would end up a single mum I sometimes wish i had never had them as I dont know what kind of life I can give them I feel so guilty all the time. I am trying to see a psycologist but having trouble finding a bulk billing one in my rural area money is always so tight I have to get on top of this as I so very much want happiness and laughter.
Thank you for this post. I just discovered this :) I can tend to yell out of frustration also but it is rarely because of what the children have done wrong. If I stop and think what is mostly annoying me it is usually something I have done like spend too much time on the Internet! I walk away, say a prayer and re-prioritize. It has worked for me over the past few months and am pleased that I haven’t felt the need to yell for a while.
Jill I absolutely agree…. Your situation is so similar to mine. I say the most horrible things and scream right in my childrens faces to get them to stop fighting. I hate myself! My daughter is constantly asking for her daddy and saying she loves him and I’m so scared that when she is older I will lose her. I want to be a better mum… :-(
I just found your post today. I really needed this. I feel so ashamed of yelling at my kids. It is very hard for me to open up about this and didn’t want to talk about it with anyone. I want to stop yelling too. I feel so horrible afterwards. I just don’t know how to stop. Thank you very much. What an inspiration you are.
I’m glad I could help Jessica…
I am just like you, you know. Just yesterday I had a big yell-fest at my kids, even though I knew it wouldn’t help, and even though I knew I’d feel terrible… and I did. I think getting over the yelling is a work in progress for lots of us…
Thank you! I just spent the morning yelling at my four year old for hitting her sister(6) when she got mad and yelling in her sisters face. I was really hurt to see her yelling at her sister like that because I knew that she has learned it from me. And the pain and frustration of seeing my bad parenting skills come out in them hurt so much that I lashed out at her and yelled in her face and preceded to tell her that if she didn’t like it done to her she shouldn’t do it to anyone. While the idea of teaching the golden rule to my kids makes sense to me, maybe living by it would teach it better. Thank you for posting this. The only path ahead of me is determination to change my shouting ways.
Thank you for sharing that. I am trying to talk to my son (7) about anger management, and how while you may not be able to control a feeling, you can control what you do with that feeling, and you can choose to express your anger in healthy ways. In this ‘teaching’ session I have really discovered I need to practice what I preach and give up the yelling. I don’t want to be a screaming banchee. It’s not necessary – I just have to work out healthier options, and put consequences other than ‘hearing mummy rant’ for bad behavior or to get what I want. Great to hear I’m not alone. Thanks for the honesty.