Shouting

[mediocremumatherbest]

Are there any parents out there that never shout at their kids? Do they exist or is it just a figment of my wild imagination? And if so.. how?!

I don't really shout. The only time I would is if we were somewhere noisy and he was in danger but I can't think of an example.
However I have a fucking scary quiet voice which comes out when I mean business and can reduce my son to tears in seconds.
it's just not really in my personality to shout so I can't explain how I do it. My husband isn't really a shouter either. He is a teacher so has a million tricks up his sleeve for getting kids to do what he wants. I am probably a bit more laid back, I make an effort to not pick up on every little thing and nag. Then if there is something naughty I go in hard!! K

One mum I know doesn't shout. I don't know how she does it.

My BIL never shouts and actually gets quieter the more cross he gets. Honestly don't know how he does it.

It's a natural thing isn't it? To shout? Always feel like a shit parent afterwards but that's only for about half a second.

I kind of see it as a part of human nature/emotion and that it's not an awful thing for kids to be exposed to. Obviously not all day everyday but once in a while when they really piss you off isn't going to hurt and is actually probably maybe a good thing for kids to be exposed to (ie emotion, consequences of their actions). I do try to apologise and talk about it after.

I shout, more than I'd like to. Usually just a short sharp shout of a word or two, but only when DC is about to do something dangerous or if repeatedly asked for something to be done and been ignored each time. (So basically every 3-10 seconds)
I hope it's just part of parenting, you can't be best buds all the time.

It was part of my New Years resolution not to shout at the children. So far so good.

I have found that it just didn't work. They'd stop listening and I'd feel dreadful I'd lost control.

I have learnt how not to now, but I failed spectacularly when they were little. I wish I could do it all over again because I would hardly ever shout if I had another chance.

Voice of reason I would be interested to hear of any techniques/alternatives? Mine are 3&4 and I feel like if I'm not shouting they aren't listening!

I shout... mine are 2, 4 and 6 and I have to shout to be heard above the racket. I don't like it though

To be honest, I went on a parenting course. It made me realise that there was a reason for their behaviour and my shouting was only making matters worse (and increasing my levels of stress)
I highly recommend the book No Drama Discipline.

Would love any tips you can think of VoiceOfReason. And any thoughts that might help me change the way I approach the situations that lead to shouting.

I used to cox (in rowing) at University.

It was really important to speak loudly and firmly to your crew in a race, but never ever shout.

Same policy has always worked well with my children. Shouting sounds like you are losing control, but try developing a loud and firm 'do not mess with what I am asking' voice works wonders.