Before I became a parent, I had my fair share of preconceived notions. I was resolute that I’d never own a minivan, would steer clear of yoga pants, and certainly wouldn’t be the type of mom who raised her voice at her kids. I remember watching frazzled moms in their stretchy pants, navigating their mini-vans like they were circus performers, and I’d gawk as I witnessed them lose their cool in public places. I was convinced that if I were ever blessed with children, I’d maintain my composure and never yell.
Oh, how naive I was! Motherhood blindsided me; I found myself not only embracing yoga pants but also realizing that a little yelling is part of the parenting package. I eat my words daily as I hiss at my kids to pipe down in church or use my “serious mom voice” when they misbehave in the grocery store.
So yes, I’m that mom who raises her voice occasionally. But before you grab your pitchforks, let me clarify—yelling doesn’t always mean screaming. I’ve discovered that there are various ways I “yell” at my kids, and I suspect many of you might relate.
1. The Pursed Lips, aka “The Silent Fury”
This method is often paired with a sharp “Get. Over. Here.” The pursed lips technique is ideal for when your kids decide to act out in front of your in-laws or when they’re creating chaos in the library. It’s also the perfect way to shush them in a movie theater.
2. Clenched Teeth, aka “I. Said. No.”
If you stroll through any store, you’ll likely spot a mom with clenched teeth issuing stern warnings to her children. This form of silent yelling comes out when you’re in public and can’t bear to say no one more time. It’s particularly useful when the ice cream truck rolls by, and the kids start making their demands.
3. The Single Eyebrow Raise, aka “You Better Stop.”
I’ve mastered the Single Eyebrow Raise. My kids know that when they see that arch from across a crowded playground, they better halt their antics. This tactic is especially effective in places where noise levels should be kept to a minimum, like museums or pools.
4. The Unsettling Smile, aka “The Singsong Voice”
My siblings and I were experts at misbehaving at family gatherings, and we dreaded the moment our mom would lean in with her sugary voice: “You need to stop that right now, sweetie.” The creepy smile accompanying it was a surefire sign we were in for it later.
5. Complete and Total Rage, aka “Your Neighbors Will Hear You”
Okay, I’ll admit that this yelling style is not my proudest moment. We’ve all had instances where motherhood sends us over the edge, whether it’s a carton of eggs smashed on the floor or a favorite sweater flushed down the toilet. And yes, it always seems to happen when the windows are wide open.
6. Total Silence, aka “When Words Fail”
Sometimes, yelling just doesn’t cut it. Those moments when you’re so furious you’re left speechless are well known to moms of teenagers. Total Silence is rare but powerful; trust me, when you invoke it, the kids are left trembling.
I’m not thrilled about losing my cool now and then, but sometimes you just have to do what it takes to keep your kids in line. And if you’re looking for more parenting tips, check out some of our other posts, such as this one about a home insemination kit for broader family planning discussions. For more insights, visit Make A Mom and CCRM IVF for great resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, motherhood is a wild ride filled with unexpected challenges, including finding creative ways to get your kids to behave without always resorting to loud yelling. Whether it’s through pursed lips, clenched teeth, or the dreaded silence, every mom has her unique style of discipline.