You’ve probably told your child to do something and found yourself repeating the same instruction ten minutes later. All parents do the same because children don’t or won’t listen. It’s a challenge to get your child to listen because even when the message goes in, they’re quickly distracted and forget. Fortunately, there are ways to get your child to listen. So, how can you make your child listen to you?

Make Sure you Have their Complete Attention

It’s easy for children to drift off while you talk to them, especially when they are busy running around or playing computer games. So, you need to have them stop whatever they’re doing and listen to you instead. 

You need to come down to the child’s height and bring their focus on you by gently touching them on the arm. This creates a connection. Then, give them a little word of encouragement and state what you need to. For example, your child is drawing in the living room. Go to them, come down to their height and say, ‘that’s a nice drawing. Lunch is ready, so let’s go eat and we can draw again later.’ 

It’s a great way to show you have taken an interest in them and may make the child listen better. 

Make the Child Apart of the Decision-Making Process

If you constantly dictate to a child, they will rebel and not pay any attention to what you tell them. Instead, allow them an input by offering a choice. For example, it’s cold outside. So, ask the child which coat they want to wear; don’t just tell them they have to wear one. Give them the option of choosing.

It is a useful way for the child to feel important and is likely to be more agreeable too. Your child has made a choice because you’ve allowed them to. Give them two options and let them decide. It’s a more effective way to get them to listen. 

Have a Rational Answer

When you ask a child to do something, they typically want to know why. By providing a rationale answer, your child is more likely to understand and comply. For example, your child has homework but wants to play video games. So, let the child know that their homework must be done first and specify why it’s important. 

Give them the cause and effect and let them know if they do their homework properly, there will be time for games later. It’s a more effective way of getting your child to listen to what you have to say. 

Be a Strong Parent

It’s easy to give in to the demands of children, especially when you’ve had a trying day. Unfortunately, this won’t get the child to listen to you. It’s unlikely they will listen to others either, including teachers and those in authority. That’s bad practice and you want to nip this early. So, you must be a strong parent and get through to the child. Give them cause and reason to do what you ask them, and they’ll be a much better person.