As a parent, getting your kids to listen to you is a major challenge!
Imagine this. You’ve got a lot of work to do before the end of the day. Your child needs to be dressed correctly and sent to school. You need to pack their lunch as well. All this creates a sense of hustle around you. Doesn’t it?
With so many things left about the house, you are already overwhelmed. And asking your child to complete a task over and over again makes you lose your patience. And with this, you’re quickly falling into the typical pattern of “Repeat. Remind. Remind. Remind.”
Then it happens: the fuse goes out. You’re left screaming the exact requests you had quietly made only minutes before in a moment of absolute failure. The scene begins, leaving everyone irritated and frustrated.
If you, as a parent, can relate to all this, here are some tips to get your kids to listen to you. Continue reading!
Why Does This Happen?
This problem of your children not listening to you is nothing new. It happens with almost every other parent.
But a lot of problems can potentially show up if you don’t address the root cause of the problem. What started as a simple instance of “not listening” may quickly escalate into tantrums, resistance, and backtalk.
If your child is often angry, here’s a guide on parenting an angry child.
Why Most Of The Kids Do Not Listen To Their Parents?
From newborns to adults, children of all ages have a tricky desire for power. When kids don’t get the opportunity to use their control positively, they may use it negatively, like choosing what to dress, deciding what to eat for dinner, choosing which game to play, etc.
Similarly, children can assert their power by refusing to listen. This is merely a way for kids to communicate their desire for more control and decision-making power in their life.
Tips To Get Your Kids To Listen To You
Give your child enough time and attention without making them feel like they’re asking for too much
- Attention is the key – It’s unlikely that yelling from across the house will convince your kids to pay attention. Before you ask them to do something, make sure you first gain their attention and look them into the eyes. Remove any distractions, such as television or video games, and encourage them to look at you when you speak.
- Don’t Impose, rather Discuss – You can give a task’s structure and purpose by communicating what and why they need to do it. Make sure your kid understands why you’re asking them to complete a specific task.
- Empathize – Recognize that kids have their thoughts as well. Instead of disciplining them every time, you should listen to them, understand why they did what they did, and then speak with them. Doing this provides them with the assurance that you hear them out and allows time to help them recognize their error.
- Flexibility is important – Allow your child to believe that they have control over what they do and how they act. “Do you want to finish your Maths homework now, or do you want to rest?” instead of “Finish your homework.” Even when kids and teens have a rebellious tendency, this method works.
- Try being calm – When children do not listen, it is typical for parents to lose their calm. But it makes your child even more rebellious. Getting your child to accomplish what you want can be difficult. However, when things are a little crazy, not getting irritated and navigating through it without shouting can provide a terrific example for your child. Your child will learn that they can accomplish things as well, without throwing a tantrum.
Conclusion
Last but not least, talk to your kids about your childhood and share exciting stories to strengthen your bond. Children desire a relationship with their parents. Connect with them as much as you can. Try understanding their opinion. If your child feels more connected to you, they will most likely listen to you. It happens because they will want to satisfy you and avoid upsetting you. Also, encourage your child to be creative, and spend time with them playing games or participating in exciting activities. It can help you and your child form a deeper bond. And most importantly, all this will help you get your kids to listen, respect and understand you.