Shouting at your baby: what are the consequences?

It is not uncommon to feel tired, irritated, or even overwhelmed, and as a result to let oneself shout at the baby, but what are the consequences for our little one in particular? Does it carry a negativity that affects their development? How can we control this behaviour? And what alternatives can we put in place? Maman et bébé nature answers all these questions.

Consequences of shouting at your baby: proven negativity

Of course, as you might expect, there is nothing good about shouting at our little cherubs. Naturally, it is not always easy to handle tantrums with complete serenity, but we must make every effort for the well-being of the whole household. Indeed, specialists explain that raising one's voice can happen and does happen to everyone — it is unavoidable! But repetition, shouting, or screaming can most certainly have harmful consequences on your baby in particular.

Faced with a very young child of 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, this can indeed have behavioural repercussions. Your little one will experience nothing but negative emotions. And there is a real risk that they will do the same, through imitation. And if you go as far as hitting them, that too will become one of the gestures they try to imitate. The violence of shouting or physical gestures will become, in their mind, the response to the problems they encounter. But what exactly does your child feel when faced with this behaviour?

So what exactly does our little one feel when shouted at?

According to certain studies, shouting has effects similar to those of physical blows on children. Indeed, it directly impacts high levels of stress, as well as anxiety, depression, and in some cases behavioural disorders. In addition, the child may experience a lack of self-confidence as well as a sense of distance from their parents. Moreover, shouting at your baby is also a consequence of more serious disciplinary problems. On balance, shouting is therefore harmful and ineffective.

Shouting at your baby and its consequences: how to control yourself?

First of all, it is important to know that giving in to the "temptation" of shouting only complicates family dynamics and increases general irritation. Here, we suggest taking a moment rather than reacting immediately to a conflict with your little one.

A quick and considered step back will undoubtedly help you manage discipline more effectively. Explain to your child that this is not the right moment to take time for explanations, given the tension between the two of you at that instant.

Then, once your child is more open to discussion, you can put various strategies in place. When faced with a baby having a tantrum, you might instead try to calm them down. Comfort them in their frustration. Listen to their anger.

Then, once they are ready to hear your displeasure, explain it to them calmly. This stepping back and this approach will undoubtedly give you far more satisfaction than shouting. You will both come away feeling more at peace and proud of having managed the conflict.

And if you have already shouted?

Know that it is NEVER TOO LATE. Although false beliefs, older generations, or "wet blankets" may sometimes say otherwise, know that it is most certainly never too late to do better! Indeed, neither parent nor child is perfect. We do our best and what matters is to always strive to act better. So if you happen to shout at your child on occasion, first of all do not be too hard on yourself. Making mistakes is part of being human. Yes indeed, perfection is not within our grasp!

Know that if you have already shouted at your baby, that does not make you a bad parent. What is more, if the shouting is rare, it should not have any lasting negative impact on your child in the long term.

What matters most of all is that your child must feel that you still love them. And that you regret having shouted. It is important for every parent to know how to apologise. And to take time for cuddles and play with your baby.

This undeniably helps to restore the bond. Equally, it is important to explain to our little one that we should have chosen another way to express our displeasure. And that from now on we will make the effort!

In short, what you expect from them — lead by example, to better embrace this new approach!