How to Avoid Yelling When Disciplining a Toddler
A toddler often demands that you exercise extreme patience as you discipline and guide him. If you find yourself raising your voice more than you think you should, it may be time to use alternative parenting techniques on a quieter scale. There are several important reasons to avoid yelling at children, one being the positive example you set of speaking respectfully for your child to hear and learn.
Instructions
Change your mindset about how you perceive your toddler̵7;s behavior, advises psychologist Dr. Laura Markham, with the Aha! Parenting website. Toddlers can be contrary and difficult, but if you try to understand this push for independence without taking the behavior personally, you may feel better equipped to handle it without yelling. Commit to disciplining your toddler without yelling. If yelling has become a habit, it may be difficult to retrain yourself to speak more quietly, especially when you feel frustrated or angry, warns social worker Janet Lehman, with the Empowering Parents website. An awareness of this negative tendency and a desire to change the behavior is important for making positive change. Count to 10 or breathe deeply for a few seconds to regain your composure and become ready to speak calmly, advises the website of Love Our Children USA, a nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating all forms of violence and neglect toward children. If you feel your adrenaline rising in response to frustrating toddler behavior ̵1; with a flushed face or rising heart rate, perhaps ̵1; resist speaking to your child until you feel calmer. Lower your voice consciously as you speak with your toddler in an effort to speak respectfully and calmly. As you strive to avoid yelling, you may have to keep your voice lower and more controlled than your ordinary speaking tone ̵1; especially if you feel frustrated or angry. Switch the focus away from your toddler̵7;s misbehavior to redirect your toddler and diffuse your frustration. Toddlers redirect quite easily and this form of discipline works effectively with this age group, suggests the National Network for Child Care website.
