THE SECRET TO GETTING YOUR KIDS TO LISTEN WITHOUT YELLING: TIPS FROM A DAD

Written by Lance Green

Hey there, dads! How’s life treating you on this wild ride of fatherhood? I’m doing alright, just trying to keep up with the never-ending demands and enjoying every moment of it.

Ok, so I’m not really an expert or anything, but as a dad, I’ve learned a thing or two about dealing with my child (pun intended). One of the biggest challenges for me has been getting her to listen to me without resorting to yelling. It’s not easy and sometimes it can be down right hard to exercise that level of self control, but it is best to model the behaviour you want to see.

Over time, I’ve found some strategies that seem to work pretty well. So, here’s a little rundown of what’s helped me out:

Be Consistent. Kids thrive on routine, so establish clear rules and expectations, and make sure everyone in the house follows them consistently. If you set a rule, stick to it. And if you need to enforce it, do so calmly and firmly.

Use Positive Reinforcement. Reward your kids when they listen or behave well. This can be as simple as verbal praise or giving them a sticker or a hug. It may sound cheesy, but it really works.

Keep Your Cool. This is probably the hardest one for me, but it’s important. When your kid is acting up, take a deep breath, count to ten, and try to stay calm. Yelling will only escalate the situation and make it harder for them to listen to you.

Be Clear And Specific. Don’t just tell your kid to “be good” or “listen.” Be clear about what you want them to do. Use simple, age-appropriate language and give them specific instructions.

Get Down to Their Level. Crouching or kneeling can help you make eye contact with your kids and make it easier for them to hear and understand what you’re saying.

Give Them A Choice. Sometimes, giving your kid a choice between two acceptable options can help them feel more in control and less resistant. For example, you could say, “Do you want to brush your teeth now or after you finish your snack?”

Take A Break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re about to lose it, it’s ok to step away for a minute or two. Take a deep breath, go to another room, or even just close your eyes and count to ten. Coming back calm and collected will help you deal with the situation more effectively.

You will need to prepare yourself when using these techniques, it’s going to be self challenging to keep your cool while constantly repeating yourself. I know from experience that at some point it all seems to click for your

Remember, every child is different and what works for one might not work for another. But these strategies have helped me out, so I thought I’d share. Good luck, and happy fathering!