How to Get Your Child to Listen

No matter what the age of a child, a commonthen forgetting what you have asked them and
complaint uttered by parents is, "How can I get him tocoming back out of their room to ask you to tell them
listen to me and what do I tell him? Especially forwhat to do again. This will only frustrate you as the
children with behavioral problems, this is often a veryparent!
difficult task to achieve and one that is very frustrating5.) For your child to know what you are telling them to
for parents. Parents will often say, "I don't think I amdo, make sure they are listening. Children are often not
asking too much of him to just listen."paying attention and are watching television or are in
Often children are disrespectful; oppositional and"their own little world" and if they are not looking at you
parents seem to be at a loss as to how to get theirdirectly, then they are probably not listening. Most
child to do as they ask and to be respectful towardsparents become increasingly angry and frustrated
them. Here are a few simple rules in getting your childwhen they have to repeat commands to their children
to listen to you when you are giving them a task toover and over again. This is the most common
complete or when giving them instructions.complaint of parents, especially with parents that have
1.) When giving instructions to your child, make surechildren with behavioral problems.
that whatever you are asking them to do, you plan on6.) If you plan on giving your child a list of things that
following through with consequences if they decide toyou want them to do, then it is a good idea to make
not do what you have asked. If you are asking theup a list of chores or responsibilities and post on the
same thing over and over and have no consequencesrefrigerator or in a conspicuous place so they can be
when they decide to not do it, then your commandsreminded. Do not post a chore list in a place that is not
are useless and ineffective.clearly visible.
2.) Do not present a command to your child as a7.) Lastly, give your child a timeline or a deadline for
request or as if you are asking them some big favorcompleting the task or chore that you have assigned
to do for you. It is your child's responsibility to clean upto them. If you do not set a deadline such as, "I want
their room, wash the dishes, complete their homework,your room cleaned and I am giving you 15 minutes to
etc... If you are begging or trying to cajole them bydo it", then your child will probably become distracted
doing what is already their responsibility, then you areand the job will not be completed.
not teaching them to be responsible; mature individuals.Being able to give your child commands that uses
State commands directly and calmly, but do not posethese elements takes a little practice, however the
as a question. For example, "Go clean up your roommore you implement these qualities into your
before we eat dinner."commands to your child, the more effective your
3.) Give one command to your child at a time. Do notcommands will be. As a result, your child will be much
give them a list of things that you want them to do.more likely to listen to you when you are speaking
Most children are not able to remember more thandirectly to them. Remember when giving your child
one or two commands at a time, especially youngercommands, make sure you do not give them too
children.many, make the commands simple, and most
4.) Ask your child to repeat back to you what youimportantly that you plan to enforce consequences if
have just asked them to do. This is much moreyour commands are not followed.
effective than your child getting into their room and