Getting Your Kids to Listen

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2003
Getting Your Kids to Listen
1
Mon, 06-18-2007 - 9:19pm
We're always telling kids to "pay attention" -- in school, in church, and of course, when mom's trying to explain why it's not generally considered a good idea to smear peanut butter in one's hair. But what we don't really tell children is how to pay attention, even when they really need to. What's your best tactic for getting your kids to really hear what you're trying to say? (Other than a megaphone...)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 11:33am

Hi Joyce- having no children myself I'll answer from a teacher's perspective, and we know that most children behave a lot differently in our charge than in their parents ;-)


Things I do



  • Get down to the child's level

  • Speak to them in soft tones (though there are times for harsher ones, lol)

  • Be specific in what you are asking of them

  • Use concise language (no baby talk please!!)

The beginning of the year is always tough to get back 'in sync' with each other- I love repeating myself!!!- but by the end of the year I only have to ask once- and if I need 'attention' I get it ;-)


Happy Summer!

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