How to Discipline Your Teenagers With Shouting

Yelling is a form of emotional abuse, according to some psychologists.

Parenting teenagers can be a difficult task, especially when teenagers experience a rebellious or defiant stage. However, it is important to discipline teenagers to punish bad behavior and to improve behavior. If you are frustrated and angry with your teenager for misbehaving, it can be tempting to shout and yell. However, yelling is harmful to teenagers. In fact, according to a 2001 study published by the "American Journal of Psychiatry," constant yelling more significantly affects people than sexual or physical abuse. Yelling causes people to feel detached and estranged from family, and this can lead to serious mental disorders. Thus, you should look for ways to discipline your teenager without shouting.

Instructions

1. Send your teenager to his room while you calm down. Alternatively, relocate to another room yourself. Wait until you have gathered your patience before choosing a punishment and discussing punishment with your teenager.

2. Discipline your teenager with an appropriate punishment and stick to the punishment. Avoid telling your teenager, "You are grounded for a year," if you do not mean it. Consult the teenager's other parent to decide on a punishment that is fair and suited to her action. Commit to the punishment and enforce it, even if you and your teenager return to amicable terms.

3. Show respect. Speak in a calm voice and avoid name-calling or mocking your teenager. Teach her to respect you and other authorities by treating her with dignity, even during times of correction.

4. Explain why you are disciplining your teenager. Advise her that her behavior deserves correction and that you believe punishment will teach her a lesson and deter her from making similar mistakes or lapses of judgment in the future. Emphasize that you are not disciplining her for the sake of being mean or for your own amusement, but because you really love her and want to teach her right from wrong.

5. Allow your teenager an opportunity to speak and express his feelings, provided he is respectful and does not scream or shout at you. Listen patiently and let him know that you take his concerns seriously. Reflect on your teenager's shared feelings. For instance, if he complains that your rules are too strict, consider if you can relax rules. However, uphold your rules and stick to your ground if you believe your regulations are fair and appropriate.

References

• Parenting Ideas: Parenting Your Teenager: 6 Tips for Effective Discipline and Consequences
• Parenting My Teen: How to Discipline Teenagers
• American Psychological Association: Constant Yelling Can Be Just As Harmful to Children as Physical Abuse
• Help Guide: Domestic Violence and Abuse: Signs of Abuse and Abusive Relationships