Speaking with your child can be difficult, especially when it comes to maintaining their constant attention and needs. They tend to babble or speak to themselves, especially when they are fighting against one another. Children are more likely to respond when spoken to in a quiet setting. The following are potential techniques that you can use towards your kids, the next time you interact with them.
Be close and talk at eye level
Some children learn that a parent is less likely to follow through until the third or fourth time, so they ignore the parents the first few times a request is made. In order to change this pattern, make sure your child listens the first time. Stand or sit close to them and maintain their eye level.
Give choices within acceptable parameters
Giving your child a choice is one way to give your child control, but on your own terms. Avoid making something sound like a choice when it isn’t. For example, do not say, “Can you come to the dinner table?” when “no” is not an option.
Keep language developmentally appropriate
Use positive terms to tell your child what to do, instead of what not to do. For example, declare “walk!” instead of “no running!”
Be genuine and sincere
To avoid a potential power struggle, reprimand your child differently. For example, use the phrase “I need you to” instead of “you need to.” By doing so, your child won’t perceive the request as a responsibility that they will be seemingly uninterested in.
Model good listening
Imitate and reflect back what your child says to you. Be a role model and try to verbalize the feelings your child is expressing with behavior, in words.
Make listening fun
Use playful language and games to teach your child to listen and accept commands. “Play games such as, “Simon Says” with the family and then use this game at other times when your child is less likely to listen. For example, you wish to say, “If it’s time to get dressed” say, “Simon says put your hands up” and then slip his/her shirt on according to a tip from the website Mommyshorts.
State directives in a respectful tone
Children are more likely to follow instructions and requests of them when the tone is positive.
Source:
http://www.mommyshorts.com/2012/02/10-ways-to-get-your-children-to-listen.html
