As parents, we all want to raise well-behaved, respectful children who listen to us and follow our rules. But sometimes, when our children misbehave, our first instinct is to yell at them in frustration. While it may feel like a way to get their attention and discipline them, yelling is not an effective way to communicate with children. In fact, research has shown that yelling at your kids can have negative effects on their behavior and mental health. Here are some reasons why yelling at your child don’t work.
Why Yelling at Your Child Don’t Work?
1. It can damage the parent-child relationship
When children are constantly yelled at, they may feel that their parents don’t respect them or value their opinions. This can lead to feelings of resentment and even rebellion. A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that harsh verbal discipline, such as yelling and shouting, was associated with higher levels of adolescent depression and anxiety.
2. It can lead to more aggressive behavior
Yelling can be seen as a form of aggression, which can model aggressive behavior for children. Children who are frequently yelled at may become more aggressive themselves, as they learn that it is an acceptable way to deal with frustration or anger. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that harsh verbal discipline was associated with increases in child aggression over time.
3. It can be ineffective in changing behavior
Yelling at children may get their attention in the moment, but it doesn’t actually teach them how to behave better. In fact, it may make them less likely to listen to you in the future. A study published in the Journal of Family Psychology found that children who were yelled at were more likely to exhibit problem behavior in the future.
4. It can negatively impact mental health
Yelling can be a form of emotional abuse, which can have negative effects on children’s mental health. Children who are frequently yelled at may develop anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that harsh verbal discipline was associated with lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of depression in adolescents.
View this post on Instagram
So, what can you do instead of yelling?
Here are some tips:
1. Stay calm
It’s important to stay calm when dealing with misbehavior. Take a deep breath and try to approach the situation with a clear head. This can help you communicate more effectively with your child.
Recommended reading: What To Do After Yelling At Your Child
Recommended reading: Why Parents Yell at Kids: The Root Cause
2. Use positive reinforcement
Instead of focusing on what your child is doing wrong, try to praise them for what they are doing right. This can help reinforce positive behavior and make your child feel more valued.
Recommended reading: Top 10 Positive Parenting Techniques For Disciplining Your Child
Recommended reading: 20 Positive Things to Say to Your Kids
3. Set clear expectations and consequences
Make sure your child knows what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they don’t meet those expectations. This can help them understand the importance of following rules and behaving appropriately.
Recommended reading: How to Say No to Your Kids: The Right Way
4. Practice active listening
When your child is upset or misbehaving, take the time to actively listen to them. This can help you understand their perspective and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their behavior.
In conclusion, yelling at your kids may feel like a quick fix, but it can have long-lasting negative effects on their behavior and mental health. By staying calm, using positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and practicing active listening, you can effectively communicate with your child and help them develop into respectful, well-behaved individuals.
