Latest
Shouting – Helpful or Hurtful?
June 10th, 2011 | 
Author: 
I just read the best article at the Business Insider, Getting Shouted at Makes You Work Harder, But Not Smarter. They researched a number of students and tried different methods for delivering the same message – one with anger and the other neutrally. Anger seemed to cause the students to think only in black and white and remain focused on the anger, it blocked all creativity in their problem solving.
This was a good reminder for me in my personal life as well. I can recall so many times that I have been shouted at by my parents, bosses, and even my spouse. It is so true that it does make you work harder, but do you remember the reason for the shouting? I get so focused on the fact that I was treated so badly, I don’t remember the message or reason. Even worse is when I find myself the one shouting, it is almost as if I am venting and not really staying focused on the point. When all is said and done, I haven’t delivered my message and my message wasn’t received. Is shouting worth it?
As a mom, I know I am going to have some trials with my daughter. Keeping the communication positive is a good reminder. I am happy to hear that there is still one saving grace for those of us who aren’t always the great communicators – sarcasm was a great motivator! It proved to cause the students to not only work harder, but also smarter. So, shouting might be out – but SARCASM is in!
What do you think?
Related Posts via Categories
- 6 Ways to Involve the Family in Helping Your Community
- Learning to Parent From Our Wounds
- Private School vs. Public: Is It Worth The Money?
Related Posts:
Posted in Positive Parenting
I try my best not to shout, but on some days my son (almost 3yo) is robbing me of every nerve. I don’t think he’s getting the sarcasm, or the message in this case, but I’m going to try, what do I have to lose.
But seriously, I think the sarcasm is working good with older kids or teens. It makes them see their action in a different light.
Mommy’s Paradise´s last blog ..Refreshing
I have a two year old, I can honestly say “I UNDERSTAND!” She doesn’t seem to get sarcasm or shouting either – she just looks at me and laughs. What is a mother to do?
The teen years should be interesting. Great insight 
Try whispering…it confuses them….always worth a try:)
Diane´s last blog ..Summertime and the livin’ is…outside-
Love it!!! Great one.
Wow. Very timely and this must be the first article about shouting at kids that I’ve read. I used to shout a lot but soon learned how to minimize it after my mother and my wife pointed it out to me that it doesn’t seem to do anything good — which I always defend that there’s some noticeable and remarkable effect to it. Anyway, I have to admit that talking more has better results and in fact, I have significantly (I think) reduced shouting. I am now wondering, however, how to distinguish between a shout and a firm tone of voice as I have been known by some people to talk with authority which I suspect is the reason to being misinterpreted as raising my voice or just plainly shouting.
crisn´s last blog ..Our own greed is eating us alive
I am with you on the firm voice issue. I have been known to use the firm voice too, but it still exudes anger. Trying to talk calmly is hard, but I love to hear that sarcasm is still effective