How to Get Kids to Listen: Here's the Parenting Tip My Clients Love Most by Barb Desmarais

Kids
5 years ago

How to Get Kids to Listen: Here's the Parenting Tip My Clients Love Most

I have worked with hundreds of parents over the last 30 years, both in groups and privately. Over and over again I hear, “My kids just don’t listen.” I suggest to them that the way we communicate makes a big difference around their level of compliance. 

Children don’t like to be told what to do nor do they like being yelled at. Nevertheless, there are tasks that need doing and behaviors that need curbing. This tip gets excellent results almost every single time it’s used. Try this wording:

“As soon as you’ve put your LEGOs away, I’ll know you’re ready for your snack.”

Replace “put your LEGOs away” with anything you’d like your child to do and “your snack” with something desirable for them that can follow. This is not to be confused with offering a bribe.

Try it and let me know how it works for you! 

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LEGOs $6 & Up
Parenting Books $2 & Up
Snacks $3 & Up

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Elisa Schmitz
OK, that is just brilliant, Barb Desmarais ! So simple, yet I can see how it would be so effective. Awesome tip!
Mike Prochaska
This works! I use all the time at home and work
Barb Desmarais
That’s so good to hear Mike. I learned it from someone many, many years ago and thought what a nice, gentle approach it was to gain cooperation - and yes, with any age group.

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