Toddlers and school-aged children are quite good at noncompliance; they have this knack for playing deaf and ignoring whomever they would like to ignore when they want. We often hear parents or nannies complain about needing to repeat requests and raise their voices to get through to the child behind the wall of noncompliance. Children do not do this just for spite, to annoy or frustrate adults; they do it because they have to. Children and fun are inseparable. When a child is having fun doing something, he would naturally want to keep doing it. That is why it takes repeated commands and a raised voice to finally get you toddler to stop playing with his ball and clean up for bed. Here are some tips to help you get your child to listen.
Be predictable. Children know how to recognize and learn patterns, and this include the pattern of their parents’ behavior. Being predictable means having clear rules, being fair and consistent. When you are predictable, your child will surely know when you mean business and when you are kidding. Being predictable shows your children that there is a clear-cut space and time for everything. You don’t have to raise your voice to signal that you mean business. All you have to do is be consistent in everything you show your child.
Be specific. When your child knows specifically the behavior you would like to see, it is easier for him to do it. When giving requests, be direct. Children are more likely to follow direct requests.
Give good rewards when your child listens. It is always better to reward than to punish. Be on the lookout for good behavior and never fail to reward your child with praise when he heeds you requests without delay. When it is necessary to give punishment, be quick with it and avoid piling it up when the child continues to show noncompliance.
