This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Powerful Mothering is supported by its audience, thankyou!
Do you ever feel like you’re on repeat? I know I sometimes do. Getting your child to listen can be one of the hardest things for a parent. Luckily, the earlier we work on it, the more benefits there will be later on. Parents must be consistent with both consequences and positive reinforcement in order to effectively improve a child’s listening skills.
Improve Your Child’s Listening Skills
Getting children to listen isn’t always easy and it’s sometimes incredibly difficult, taking a lot of work and consistency.
Consistently Motivating Children to Improve Listening Skills
One very important rule that parents must follow when trying to get children to listen is consistency. If a parent isn’t consistent, the child won’t be either (It took me a while to take this truth to heart). It’s also essential that parents understand this doesn’t just apply to punishment; while it’s important to be consistent with consequences, it’s also essential to reward children consistently, when necessary.
Rewarding children for positive behavior will motivate them to continue listening and doing as they are told. If a child has something to work for, he or she will be much more willing to do so. It’s always important to use positive reinforcement when aiming to get children to listen.
Try our Screen Time Chart printable.
Taking Control Back from a Defiant Children
When parenting a defiant child who just doesn’t seem to listen, it’s very important that the parent takes control over the situation. Too many parents feel as though they have lost control. You might feel like bargaining with child, by using bribes and pleading, is the only way to get your child to listen. What this shows a child is that you are slowly but surely losing control. We’ve all been there though, so don’t give yourself too hard of a time. Just remember that there are ways to solve this lack of control issue.
In order to take control, it’s important to have a plan of action. Parenting is simply about problem solving. Parents must prepare themselves in advance for situations and create a plan to solve them. Once a parent consistently follows through with their plan each and every time a situation occurs, the child will know the consequences for his actions and will learn to listen.
We love our Visual Chore Chart Printables!
Accepting Professional Help and Creating a Plan of Action For Listening Skills Improvement
Many parents become overwhelmed with a child’s behavior and feel as though they have tried everything to take control over the situation. In this case, parents can look into the Total Transformation Program or another program and see if it might be right for them. Another option is talking with a professional.
Overall, the key to parenting is consistency. If parents consistently hold their children accountable for their actions, always following through, children will begin to listen. It’s also important to motivate children to make good decisions, as this will give them a reason to listen and show good behavior.
Leave a Reply