How To Get Kids To Listen

Getting kids to listen can be a little tricky, especially if you don't spend a lot of time with children in the first place. The truth is that they can be very unpredictable - docile one moment and then running away from you in the next. A lot of them think that every day's just a game and honestly, who can blame them? They're kids.

However, there are ways of getting kids to listen without necessarily having to chase them all around the house. Read on to find out how!

1) Catch Them in a Good Mood.
When children are in a good mood, they're very sweet even if a bit mischievous. As long as they're happy, they're more likely to listen to you. Trying to talk them when they're having a tantrum or when they're upset is like talking to a brick wall. All they'll think about is how unhappy they are at the moment.

2) Say What You Mean.
Getting kids to listen doesn't work the same way as getting adults to listen. Adults need long sentences and explanations before they become convinced of something. Kids, on the other hand, need a more direct approach. Avoid going around in circles. Instead of rambling on and on about how they're lucky to have a family and how they would feel if the situation were reversed, just tell them that teasing their kid brothers and sisters is wrong and that they shouldn't do it again. They already have a short attention span as it is. In their case, the more direct to the point you are, the better your chances of getting your message across.   


3) Listen To What They Have To Say.
Do to other people what you want others to do to you. It's as easy as that. If you don't take the time to listen to what the kids have to say, then how can you expect them to listen to you?  

4) No To Violence.
No matter how much you want to get kids to listento you, you should never resort to violent means. Shouting and calling kids names won't get you what you want. Hitting or pinching them won't do the trick either. You might intimidate them at first, but it won't be long before they start fighting back. 

5) Avoid Lecturing Them.
Don't start your conversation with a lecture. Lecturing was our parents' way of getting us to listen. And to be honest, that didn't end up well for a lot of people.

Today's method is much more recommended. It involves you talking to the kids about what it is they've done in a manner that aims to encourage self-learning than self-loathing. The conversation is now two-sided. The kids hear you out and you hear them out.

Learning how to get kids to listen to you can be quite tricky, especially if you haven't had a lot of experience dealing with them. Don't look down on them and they'll be more willing to lend you an ear. You might be surprised, but most kids these days are more insightful and more capable of handling responsibility.