Does shouting at your children work?

I am sure we have all been out somewhere, whether it be your local town centre on a shopping trip or just a day out for example and then that moment occurs in which you see a mum or dad shouting at their child for doing something wrong. It is always fascinating to watch the reactions of people around. Some nod their head in disgust whilst others tut and some actually pass comment loud enough for everyone to hear.

The truth is we have all been or could be there at any time. Children, especially toddlers, push your buttons. It could be a number of things that make this happen. They’re tired, you’re tired and it just goes on! The list is endless and then it gets to breaking point and there’s no holding you back.

I like to think that I don’t shout often, but of course I do shout. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t, but it’s the regular use of shouting that I believe has a negative effect. I think your child just gets used to you shouting so when you do they start to begin to ignore you because they have become immune to it. 

In our home I would shout to tell our four year old twins to do something more than my wife and sometimes they listen to me, but not always Whereas my wife rarely shouts at the girls, but when she does it has an immediate effect and they instantly do as they are told.

So in truth I believe less shouting has more effect than when you do shout. 

Sometimes I find a change of tone in my voice and a sterner look can also get the required result. 

My greatest fear from shouting at my children on a regular basis, which I might add I don’t, is that I am educating them that it’s ok to shout which would be something that they take through their own lives and I don’t want that to happen.

Would love to know what you think.