May 29, 2018 | adminParents often ask how to make kids listen and follow directions, how to stop yelling and nagging, and how to teach children respect. The truth is, the way parents speak impacts children’s ability to listen. Here are seven tips to help you get kids to listen without yelling.
“Walk please,” delivered in a positive, encouraging tone of voice works better than “Stop running!” delivered in an exasperated, threatening tone. Point to what you want. You get more of what you draw attention to. This is the most positive and effective way to get kids to listen and follow the rules.
Say, “I can’t understand you when you use that voice,” instead of “Stop whining!” Combine this simple description of how that voice effects you, with ignoring the tone of voice you hope to eliminate. You never want to reward undesired behavior with attention (even negative attention like nagging, reminding or coaxing), or you will get more of that negative behavior.
“How do we ask?” helps your child remind himself of the rules without you nagging. Again, only respond to the request when asked nicely.
“Can you tell me what I said?” invites your child to take an active part. Notice your tone of voice with this question. Refrain from an angry or threatening, “What did I say?” Some children can get triggered into a power struggle rather than cooperation depending on your tone of voice and approach.
It’s nice to have another chance, even for adults. “Try again,” or “Let’s have a redo,” are very economic verbal prompt. Remember, fewer words is always best.
“I know it’s hard,” is an eloquent empathy statement, which can be very encouraging. Your goal as a parent is to encourage, or put “courage in,” the child so she wants to try again. Too much correction or criticism can drain children.
“I noticed you followed my directions the very first time. Thank you so much for listening so well!” Catch your child being good. Be warm and enthusiastic. Describe their behavior in simple positive words and maybe add a gentle touch or gesture, like a hug or high five. We call this the “Praise That Works.” This type of descriptive praise is the single most powerful way to encourage more cooperation and get kids to listen. Children who frequently display challenging behaviors need this the most. It may be hard to find their cooperative behaviors, but the effort to focus on those will improve behavior in the long run – and strengthen your connection and their self-worth at the same time.
For more parenting support, please join us for an Upcoming Live Class or browse our Catalog of Recorded Content including Quick Video Solution Libraries with handouts. Questions? Email us at Solutions@Peaceathomeparenting.com
Do you experience that sinking feeling when you need to travel for work? Struggle with guilt and think
September 28 , 2023
You have a wealth of knowledge about your child that can greatly assist their teacher in creating a
August 17 , 2023
Kids have problems. It’s a fact of life. Teaching them how to solve them on their own, is
July 14 , 2023
Everyone is met with challenging situations in their lives, including children. However, not everyone responds to stressors in
June 20 , 2023
Does it feel like you don’t have the time and energy to get everything done? Are you burning
June 01 , 2023
In a recent CNN Townhall, a young trans person named Niko from Arlington, VA asked the current governor
May 15 , 2023
