What are some good tips for coping with someone yelling?

Question

I just got my report card and I got a bad mark in one of my classes and I'm expecting a call from my dad who doesn't live with me to hear how it is. He has a very loud voice and can be pretty intimidating over the phone. Its his own fault though that I have a bad mark because he made me go into a class that was too hard for me. I just need some tips on how to pass the time and cope with it over the phone. He usually calls when he's angry for like 30 mins.

Answer 1

Take a deep breath and keep your voice calm and quiet.  But most importantly, let your father know that you did not want to take the class in the first place because you felt that the lesson work was too hard for you and that you only took the class to please him.

Just try to remain calm in the interim because its going to be over in a half hour and, after he has said all that he has to say, you can ask him if you can take another class instead because this one isnt right for you.

Answer 2

How old are you?  How involved in your daily life is your dad?

You can just hold the phone away from your head and listen to your iPod in one ear and say, "Right, Dad . . . . .I know, Dad".  Or, you can say, "Dad, I did my best.  This class wasn't right for me."  Or, you can tell him that his anger and intimidation won't make the grade come up or make you perform any better.  

Or a combination of the above.  It just depends on how old you are, and how your relationship with your dad is.  Sometimes parents just don't "get it".

Sorry for your problem.

Answer 3

Put the phone down on the table after you tell him that you are not going to listen to him scream at your for 30 minutes.  Let him scream into the air.  

Answer 4

simple: put the phone down.  this is a lot easier than if you had to deal with him during a face to face confrontation.  you can probably still hear if the phone is far away from your ear, so once he begins just lower the phone and let him rant.  when a silent moment comes on, pick up the phone and say "i know..." or "ya..." or "im sorry".  clearly, you know what you need to do to maake this better (study more, take a less challenging class) and i understand and agree that you probably dont need to listen to him yelling at you for 30 minutes to make it "better".  best of luck! (with the phone call, and in school next year!)

Answer 5

Sorry, can't resist;  Ear Plugs!