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Do you find it difficult to get your children to listen? Do they always seem to be ignoring your instructions and making poor choices? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents struggle with getting their kids to do what they say.
Getting children to listen can feel like a constant battle. After all, children are known for noncompliance and disobedience at times. And yet, the ability for children to listen is an important skill that needs to develop if they are going to turn into successful adults in life.
Although getting a child‘s attention may seem like endlessly repeating commands with nothing much else, there are actually strategies that parents can use to make sure their children understand them and follow their guidance. Here are the best strategies for getting your children to listen.
Give Clear Instructions 
Ensure the instructions you provide are easy to understand and brief. Avoid giving too many instructions at once, instead give one instruction at a time. Also, use positive language when giving instructions to encourage compliance.
Expect Respectful Behavior
When children show respect to their parents, they are more likely to listen. Set expectations for respectful behavior such as listening and following directions without argument or complaint.
Be Consistent
It’s important to be consistent with the rules you set for your children so they understand what is expected of them. If a rule is broken, there should be consequences in order for them to learn from their mistakes.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to get children to listen is to make it fun. Show enthusiasm when giving instructions and use games or stories to help illustrate the importance of listening.
Be Clear and Consistent
Make sure that your instructions are clear and that you are consistent with them. Children need to know exactly what is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they don’t follow your instructions.
Set an Example
Children learn best by example, so make sure you’re setting a good one for them. If you want your children to listen, make sure you’re modeling the behavior yourself.
Give Choices
Giving children choices can be a great way to get them to listen. For example, rather than telling your child what to do, you can give them the choice of two different activities or tasks. This gives them a sense of control and helps them feel more motivated to listen.
Be Patient
It can be frustrating when children don’t listen, but it’s important to stay patient and calm. If you become angry or frustrated, it can make it more difficult for children to understand what you’re saying and follow your instructions.
Set Clear Expectations
Before you even begin to ask your child to do something, it is important to make sure they have a clear understanding of what you want them to do. Be specific and provide clear instructions. Make sure they understand why you are asking them to do something and the consequences that will follow if they don’t comply.
Offer Choices
Giving children choices can help motivate them to listen and make them feel like they have some control over the situation. For example, you can offer them two options for completing a task or two different activities to do. This will help engage their minds and make it more likely that they will follow your instructions.
Make It Fun
Children are more likely to listen when an activity is fun or interesting. Try to make the task enjoyable by using games, songs, or stories. This will help keep their attention and make it easier for them to understand what you are asking of them.
Establish Clear Rules and Expectations
The first step in getting your children to listen is establishing clear rules and expectations. You need to be very specific about what you expect from them and make sure they understand it.
Provide Consequences
When appropriate, provide consequences for negative behaviors. This helps children understand that there are consequences for not listening and encourages them to follow through with your instructions next time.
Conclusion
Getting children to listen is an important skill that parents need to help their kids develop. By using strategies such as being clear and consistent with instructions, using positive reinforcement, setting an example, giving choices, and being patient, parents can help their children learn to listen and follow their guidance.