Someone I follow on Twitter posted this during the Superbowl:
Two y/o mistook me yelling at the interception as telling her to “get out of here” still crying.
A helpful reminder that young children are often more tuned in to our tone of voice than to what we say to them–or not even to them, but what we say out loud while they happen to be in the room.
My younger son is particularly sensitive to tone and has been known to say “Stop shouting at me” when I wasn’t yelling, just speaking in an irritated or exasperated voice.
Speaking more gently and patiently around my kids is my perennial new year’s resolution. Any helpful tips along these lines are welcome in this thread.
2 Comments
Sleep!
I assume most of us parents struggle with the same issue. I have discovered that trying to ensure that I get enough sleep is one of the most effective ways for me to remain patient with my child.
rf Wed 9 Feb 7:48 AM
so, so true
That makes a huge difference. Also, I’m less likely to have a short fuse if I’ve exercised.
desmoinesdem Wed 9 Feb 11:44 AM