Does anything feel worse than the droopy, sad, and scared look your child takes on after you YELL at them?
It's so awful.
All parents, at some point or another, yell. It isn't our top choice. It isn't how we'd like to handle any situation, no matter how tough. It doesn't even work to change behavior, it only works to damage our relationship frown emoticon
But it still happens.
What to do?
1. Clear out any stored emotions by recognizing them and naming them- Making yourself less likely to BLOW.
2. When you do yell, admit your wrongdoing without excuses. "Honey, I'm so sorry I yelled at you. That is not how I want to communicate. I'm sorry it was scary. I made a mistake."
3. Repair the relationship by re-establishing connection: Eye contact, touch, and empathy.
4. Forgive yourself.
xo
Image credit: Feeleez ABCs