It is not always possible to make children listen to what we say. They tend to disobey and be stubborn quite often. But one should not lose cool in this situation. Read on to find the 10 ways to get your child to listen to you.Many parents complain that their children do not listen to them. It is not always stubbornness that kids do not listen to you. There are lots of things going on in a kid’s mind. So, instead of pushing things on manners and responsibility, you should also consider your child’s situation and age especially if your child has started absent minded behaviour recently. But there are ways to help you get your children listen to what you are saying and save you from getting irritated or stay worried. Have a quick look at some of these ways.
1. Talk When You Get Full Attention
One of the most important things about
making your child listen to you is grabbing her attention. As soon as your child pays attention, she will listen to what you are saying. So, first ask your child to come to you or look at you and then talk to her.
2. Keep it Short and Simple
Instead of lecturing your child now and then, keep your instructions straight forward. Say what you need to say in shortest possible way.
3. Be Firm and Authoritative
When an instruction is important or shows your disapproval, it should be firm, authoritative and medium pitched.
4. See From your Child’s Point of View
Think that if you were busy doing something you liked and someone asked you to stop doing that immediately, how would you feel? So, if you want your child to stop doing something she should not do at the moment, be polite and give her some time to end the work she is engaged in.
5. Encourage Your Child to Cooperate
If you always give orders or instructions, your child is not going to listen to you. In fact, this would initiate and stimulate resistance. Next time you talk to your child, keep your tone warm and give your child choices, if possible.
6. Stay Calm and Speak Politely
Sometimes even if parents request their child to do something, their tone is harsh and volume high. Try reducing the volume of your voice next time. It is an effective way of inspiring participation.
7. Set Up Clear Rules and Routine
Once the rules are set up in a firm voice, you will not have to nag or be a drill sergeant. Help your child to develop good habits and point out the
mistakes she does in a polite manner first.
8. Listen to Your Child
If you do not pay attention to what your child is saying when she gets
back from school, she will follow suit. So, even if your child is a pre-schooler, stop doing what you are doing and pay attention for few minutes.
9. Pause
If you are shutting down your child just because you do not have time to argue, you need to pause. At least you can ask your child to talk about the matter when you are free. Give her a time like after coming back from office or after finishing a specific work. Listen to what your child has to say and then explain things clearly to her.
10. Get Into Happy Interactions With your Child
Talking to your child only when you have to give orders or instructions will make your child less attentive. Engage in loving and happy interactions with your child often. Avoid giving orders and instead share your expectations with her. You will get faster and better results.
Always keep in mind that
effective listening will make your child a better student, a good friend and in addition it will enhance your family’s harmony. Try to reduce making requests to deaf ears. Sometimes children do not listen because they are hungry, tired or overwhelmed. Check for that before reacting. Family routines and habits play a very important role in making children responsible and well mannered.
How to get children to listen? Why do children disobey to what their parents say? How raise obedient children? Discuss here.
