Parenting can be a joyous experience, but it can also be incredibly frustrating. One of the most challenging aspects of raising children is when they don't listen to you. It's like speaking to a wall sometimes, isn't it? You say one thing and your kid seems to do just the opposite without any explanation. Well fear not frustrated parent because I've got some tips up my sleeve that might help get through to those tiny ears.
First Things First: Creating an Environment That Encourages Listening
Kids are often more focused on their own world than anything else around them which means creating an environment where listening comes naturally is key in getting them tuned back into you:
Set clear expectations and consequences
It’s important for kids to know what behaviors are expected and what happens if they disobey rules. Give specific instructions such as ‘please turn off the television’ instead of ‘turn everything off’. This gives children a clearer sense of responsibility and helps establish boundaries.
Stick To A Routine
Establish consistent routines or schedules so that children learn early on how things work in your household. This includes things like times for meals or bedtime routines etc.
Get Down To Children's Level
When talking with young people avoid towering over them, always position yourself at their eye level so that they feel engaged with the conversation or activities taking place.
Second Step: Communication
They may be adults in training, but kids' brains aren’t fully developed yet meaning they may struggle with comprehending what exactly we're saying much less take complete directions from us...
Use Positive Language
Always choose language/sentences positively rather than negatively especially when correcting behavior e.g Instead of “Don’t run,” try “Please walk.”
Tweak Your Body Language
Our body language can communicate different messages making sure our body posture/position hasn’t undermined our message is another way to get through our kids.
Be an Active Listener Too
Do not just talk and expect children to listen without some form of feedback. Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions while listening actively when young people answer.
Third Step: Set Boundaries
There’s little doubt that reaching out to your kid's means being understanding but boundaries keep them in check, remember you are the parent:
Consistency Is Key
Whatever your rules or guidelines are don’t change it whenever necessary as this can confuse a child more than help.
Avoid Micromanaging Your Child
Give them small tasks and allow autonomy since failure provides needed lessons for growth/confidence rather than constantly hawking over what they do forcing mistrust among other issues like anxiety or self-doubt.
Don't Nag Them Constantly
You become an "annoying stereotype" when every word becomes 'stop that', ‘put that down’ etc. Kids have selective deafness at times so brook no repeated pleadings/requests during hearings even with helpful intentions behind these statements they may grow resentful on second thought!
Fourth Step : Reinforcement
Our last step focuses on rewards developing/getting results from setting strong standards within a positive environment creating memories that fuel attaining goals
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement works far better than negative e.g Praise good behavior - give meaningful compliments for effort-focused work instead of status-based (e.g “You worked hard” rather than “you’re smart”. The latter creates confusion for youths later)
Rewards System
Motivating incentives always work well! It allows young persons involved attain something tangible after accomplishing their set goal. E.g dinner out or ice cream treat etc.
This concludes today’s lesson parents following these steps will hone in on the communication divide between you and your kids building stronger relationships packed with respect/trust allowing both sides thrive.