When your ‘parent voice’ is so loud, that even your neighbours brush their teeth and get ready for bed…but you have asked nicely, requested politely, and then demanded with a red face to ultimately scream your head off to get your child to do something for you?
Let’s face it. It’s happened to the best of us.
Now, as parents, we know that we can’t get our children to listen to us all the time, but there are some surefire ways to get them to listen most of the time, and that too without yelling.
1. Be a proactive parent.
It’s always a good idea to tell children what is expected out of them ahead of time. Such as, they can watch one television show and will need to turn off the television right after or that they need to finish their dinner before they ask for dessert.
Now, as parents, we know that we can’t get our children to listen to us all the time, but there are some surefire ways to get them to listen most of the time, and that too without yelling.
2. Get connected.
Are you filling your child’s emotional cup on a daily basis? Because if you’re not, then they are less likely to comply with you. Get connected to them by spending 15 minutes daily with them and giving them your undivided attention. You’ll see a world of difference in the way they start listening.
3. Are their needs met?
A child who is hungry, tired, anxious or overstimulated will have a harder time listening and following directions. So, ask yourself if your child’s needs are being met before expecting them to listen to you.
So, rather than telling your children what they cannot do, tell them what they can do instead.
4. Start using ‘can’ instead of ‘cannot’.
Imagine having to hear what you cannot do day after day. You cannot play outside, you cannot watch TV, and you cannot jump like that on the sofa. It’s upsetting and it’s actually hard for children to follow. So, rather than telling your children what they cannot do, tell them what they can do instead. Such as sit still on the sofa, or you can play outside once dinner is finished.
Or give them options to decide between ‘this’ or ‘that’. This is a great way to foster independence and make them feel like they have made the choice and not you.
