No Yelling Please

I firmly believe raising your voice and yelling at kids is a bad
idea. Here are some reasons.

• Yelling at kids creates negative environment for an activity. For example, if you yell at a kid during music practice, you are sub-consciously creating a negative association between music and enjoyment. Ultimately if a kid really likes an activity, such as music, they will be drawn to it. Give them feedback, but do it in a low but firm tone. Remember the goal is that they should really like the activity or subject.
  
• Even if you have punish kids for something, you can do it in a calm voice. Just give them consequences (no TV/computer), but do it in a calm manner. Explain to them why you are doing it so that they understand rationale behind your actions. It is very important that kids understand the rationale behind your actions.
  

Dealing with bad tests

What if your kid comes back with a bad test? What to do? Here is my view.

(1) Ask them to do over the wrong problems (this is more applicable for
math and science). At least go over the wrong solutions with them. This will
reinforce that they should "learn from their mistakes". Very important skill.

(2) Step (1) is more specific. Now try to look at what was done wrong and infer
whether there are certain concepts they are not grasping. Give them additional material
to correct these conceptual mistakes.

The whole idea here is to instill an attitude in your kids that you should not "freak out" if
you get a bad test. The entire idea is to look at tests as feedback and then calmly correct
your mistakes.