There are times, when we all lose our patience and temper and unwillingly shout or yell on our kids. Even though every time we yell, we decide that “next time I am going to stay cool or I will just relax and deal with the situation with a cooler mindset”. But, when kids test our patience, we forget all these promises that we have made to ourselves. The vicious circle of asking-repeating-reminding goes on. On the other end, there are the Kids – full of new ideas, tremendous energy, and a full potential to test us. Kids continue the behavior that works for them whether it is positive or negative. That’s why they are kids and we are parent. Here are 8 ways to get your child to listen to you better.

Sufficient dose of attention and power: They need attention from their elders and at the same time the power to take decisions. When they don’t get that opportunity, they get upset.

 

 

Give them the transition time: Connect before you start speaking. We all need the transition time to shift our mind state from one other. If we do not give them that time, then they are not going to listen to our talks and it seems more like a yelling and a not-following scene.

Consequence and misbehavior/cause should be related:  This is very important. For example, consequence for watching excess TV and not finishing up the homework should not be related to restricting them from the play area time. TV,  not finishing homework and not going to the play area are nowhere related to each other. Instead, restriction should be on watching their favorite cartoon or TV show.

Make sure that they are clear with the consequences: Consequence should be revealed in advance. Clearer the consequence, better it is. Again, if they know the consequence for their wrong choice or bad behavior then it will be easy for them to accept. Ask them to repeat the new rule and the consequences.

 

Stop repeating and reminding: Let them be responsible for their own action. In short, a child who forgets has a parent who always remembers..:) Sounds funny, right?

Parents need some “ME” time too: Sometimes ignore it, be unimpressed.  Just sit back and relax. What happens when our child does not follow our directions? We raise our voice in order to make them understand. But, this is the time when we have to relax and take a breath. It is better not to explain or try to convince our child when we are not ready. Wait. Neither they nor we are in the perfect compatible state. But do not allow the matter to get delayed. Solve it before going to bed.

 

 

Kids live in present: If you expect that your child will remember what s(he) has done two days ago and you are trying to explain their actions today, it’s not going to work. Solve the matter that day itself.

Create Positivity: If time outs, consequences are for wrong behavior then rewards, praise is for positive behavior. Rewards, affection and attention that their good behavior has been recognized is equally important.

Kids have a special wired mechanism which tells them how to behave. In most of the cases, that mechanism directs them to follow a certain behavioral pattern. Sometimes, its their age and their surroundings that are driving their behavior.  And most of the times they are listening but not doing what you ask them to do. You can regain your child’s ear without losing your voice or your cool.

How do you get your child to listen to you better?  Do share with your fellow readers. These tips always come handy.