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7 Ways To Talk In A Way That Makes Children Listen To You

Sometimes do you find yourself repeating the same thing to your children? You might think that they’re forgetting, which they are, but there are better ways to communicate to your children in a way that they will listen to you. Here’s how!

There are normally four reasons why kids misbehave – for attention, to gain power, for revenge and because they feel left out. As a parent, if you understand why your child is misbehaving, you can choose the right tool to reduce the misconduct. Here are 7 awesome ways to communicate with your children!

As a parent I have realized that it’s no use talking to children if there’s no eye contact. You have to have eye-contact before you can direct your child to do anything. Telling them, “I need you to look at me” or “I need your ears” will help you catch their attention. Also the reason for eye contact is to connect not to control. 

Always call your child with his/her name. Start your request by using their name, like “Sarah, would you please…” This way they will feel that they belong to the family!

If you start lecturing your child, he/she probably won’t even listen! Its always best to keep it brief. Use one sentence rules and use the important part in the opening. The longer you talk the more likely your child will become parent deaf. So keep it simple! 

Always ask your child to repeat what you said. If he/she can’t repeat it, it simply means that it’s either too long or too complicated. Remember to keep it short. When you ask your child to repeat what you say it gets imprinted in their mind. 

Use the word ‘I want’ when you want things to be done right away. Instead of saying “Get Down” say “I want you to get down”. This works on children who like to please their parents without being ordered to do things. 

Use the words “when” and “then” when you want your children do get something done. for example, “When you finish brushing your teeth, then we’ll read a story together.” When works better than “if” and it implies that you expect obedience. 

Let your children decide where they want to store their things. Instead of saying, “clean up this mess!” say “Joel, think of where you want to play your board games. Put them there and show me!” Letting your child decide will create a lasting lesson for him to remember. 

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Article Source:  Ask Dr Sears

Photo Credit: www.parenting.com

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