Is it a sin to shout at your children?

[rebus]

If after asking your children to do something and they just ignore you,then you remain calm and ask a number of times more and they still ignore you and you find yourself shouting at them and saying some unkind things have you commited a mortal sin or is this an emotional response?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear R,

No, you have not committed a mortal sin, but you have reinforced your children’s impression that your opinion is on the same level as theirs. Your children have to be shown that there are consequences for their behavior. This doesn’t mean that you must get angry. It does mean that you be firm, consistent and in control. When they disobey, then they are not entitled to something they like. This is not rocket science. It’s just common sense. They need to learn that if they don’t respond to your wishes the first time, they loose. I suggest you look at Dr. Ray Guarendi’s website for some helpful books:

drray.com

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.