When frustration levels reach their peak, yelling often feels like the only way parents can be heard. But Dr. Markham says yelling doesn't work — it only demonstrates bad behavior that children will follow. Rather than raise your voice, she offers three pieces of advice.
- When you get upset, remind yourself that you're the role model and return yourself to calm.
- Use a version of the golden rule or "be kind" as your number one family rule. Set limits on teasing and mean words as well as physical violence.
- Allow all emotions; limit behavior. Kids are allowed to be angry and to express that to each other, but they aren't allowed to attack each other physically or verbally.
