It can be extremely frustrating when your kids don’t seem to listen to a word you say. Whether you’re trying to get them to do their homework, clean their room, or just stop arguing with each other, it can feel like you’re talking to a brick wall. But there are 13 tips you can do to help make sure your kids are listening to you.
Contents
- 1. Make Sure You Have Their Attention
- 2. Keep It Short and Sweet
- 3. Don’t Repeat Yourself
- 4. Think from Your Kid’s Point of View
- 5. Be Calm
- 6. Cooperation
- 7. Make It Interesting
- 8. Give Them A Reason To Listen
- 9. Give Them A Choice
- 10. Follow Through With Consequences
- 11. Be A Good Role Model
- 12. Have Realistic Expectations
- 13. Be Patient
1. Make Sure You Have Their Attention
If you’re trying to talk to your children while they’re watching TV or playing on their phones, chances are they’re not really listening to you.
Get their attention by making eye contact and using their name. Once you have their attention, they’re more likely to listen to what you have to say.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
When you’re trying to get your kids to listen, it’s important to keep your message short and sweet. Your kids are likely to tune out if you start rambling on, or if you try to give them too much information at once. So, stick to the point and be concise.
3. Don’t Repeat Yourself
When you’ve said something once, don’t keep saying it over and over. Not only will this make you feel like you’re talking to a wall, but it’ll also make your children tune you out. If they don’t listen the first time, try saying it a different way. But if they still don’t listen, then let it go and move on.
4. Think from Your Kid’s Point of View
You may be thinking, “I’ve asked him five times to take out the trash and he still hasn’t done it!” Remember that your child’s perspective is different from yours.
From his point of view, taking out the trash may not seem as important as playing with his friends or finishing his homework. Try to see things from his point of view and you may be able to find a way to get him to see your point of view as well.
5. Be Calm
It’s common for parents to start yelling when their kids don’t listen. But this usually doesn’t work and it can just make the situation worse. Instead, try to stay calm and be assertive. This way, you’re more likely to get your point across without losing your cool.
6. Cooperation
If you’re constantly asking your children to do things and they’re not cooperating, then it may be time to try something different. Instead of just telling them what to do, ask them if they’re willing to cooperate.
This way, they feel like they have a choice in the matter and they’re more likely to do what you ask.
7. Make It Interesting
If you want your kids to listen to you, then make what you’re saying interesting. Use a funny voice, act out a scene, or tell a story. Anything that will hold their attention is more likely to get them to listen to you.
8. Give Them A Reason To Listen
Kids are more likely to listen if they know there’s a good reason to do so. Explain to them why it’s important to do what you’re asking and how it will benefit them.
For example, if you’re trying to get them to do their homework, tell them that it will help them learn and do better in school.
9. Give Them A Choice
Children often feel like they don’t have any control in their lives. Giving them a choice is a great way to make them feel empowered and more likely to listen to you.
For example, if you’re trying to get them to clean their room, let them choose which part they want to start with.
10. Follow Through With Consequences
If you’ve asked your kids to do something and they don’t do it, then follow through with a consequence. This could be something like taking away their phone or not letting them watch TV.
But make sure the consequence is appropriate for the infraction and that you follow through with it. Otherwise, your kids will learn that they don’t have to listen to you.
11. Be A Good Role Model
Children learn by example, so it’s important to be a good role model if you want them to listen to you. If you’re constantly yelling or talking over people, then they’re likely to do the same.
So try to be calm and respectful when you’re talking to them. This will go a long way in getting them to listen to you.
12. Have Realistic Expectations
You should have realistic expectations when it comes to kids listening. They’re not always going to do what you want them to do, and that’s okay. Just keep trying and eventually they’ll learn to listen to you.
13. Be Patient
Getting kids to listen can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.Keep patient and never give up, then you’re on the way to success.
