4 simple tips on tricking your child into listening to you

Do you sometimes feel as if you’re talking to a wall when you talk to your kids? We know we have. It comes as no surprise that many parents face challenges in getting their kids to listen to them. We share some tips on how you can try to remedy this selective deafness that most kids seem to suffer from.

Listen to your child

The first way to trick your child to listen to you is not much of a trick at all. Here’s the secret: In order to get him to listen to you, you must start listening to him first.

Be aware of both his verbal and non-verbal cues. This means that you need to pick up on his cues: Is he frustrated, unhappy or just feeling out of sorts?

Sometimes it is these things that lead children to not listen to parents. When you demonstrate how you pick up on his non-verbal language, it sends the message that he is important to you. It also triggers an awareness that he too should make more of an effort to listen to you.

Say my name, say my name

When you need to get your child’s attention, say her name. Don’t scream it from across the room or from the kitchen while she is outside playing.

Instead go to where she is, say her name and wait for her to turn and look at you. Once you get that attention, you can then relay your message.

"Eye see you"

Never underestimate the power of the eyes. After all, eyes are believed to be the windows to the soul.

When you need your child to listen to you, get down to his level and look into his eyes before you start talking. This allows you to have his full attention. It also helps you observe if his eyes have glazed over and he is tuning you out.

Looking at children also demonstrates to them that you are willing to come down to their level and listen to them.

Down to you

Ultimately, to successfully trick your child to listen to you, you have to first reflect on your own behaviour.

When you speak to your child, are you accurate in your information and say what you mean? For example, do you promise to take her to the zoo tomorrow but end up flaking on the promise because it slipped your mind?

Unfortunately, these "broken promises" can erode your child’s trust in you, leading her to tune out whenever you speak as your words don’t carry weight any longer.

Written by

Wafa Marican

gallerylistening tipsnon-verbal language