10 Things to do instead of yelling

BY: ALICIA BAYER

What would grandma do?

Credits: 

Grandma's Favorite, Georgios Iakovidis (1853-1932) (Public Domain)

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As parents, it can be way too easy to slip into a pattern of yelling way more than we like. Not only does this create a scary, toxic environment for everybody, but it's not even effective. Here's 10 things to try instead. They might not always work, but neither does yelling, and you just might find that you need to use them less after a while.

1. Take a deep breath. If you're going to react, breathe first and think of what you're going to do or say. Nine times out of ten, just that breath will help you react in a better way.
2. Put on your granny glasses. Pretend you're many years older, looking back at the scene from years in the future. Will any part of you miss the mayhem? Will this scene not seem so catastrophic? Would you regret yelling or acting ugly in this moment later?
3. Play grandma for real. Take it a step further and think of how you'd react if these were your grandchildren instead of your children. What would a good grandma do? Chances are, you'd use a mix of wisdom, understanding, love and humor (and let a little more slide).

Please visit Alicia Bayer's site for further reading and guidance. Thank you.

http://www.examiner.com/article/10-things-to-do-instead-of-yelling