Disobedient Kids: Getting Your Children to Listen to You

One of the biggest challenges for parents is getting their children to listen. I'm sure every parent has had that situation where no matter what you try to say or do your child "refuses to listen". Some parents will just throw up their hands and say that they have a rebellious child who refuses to listen. Others will try to use strict forms of punishment as a way to communicate with their children. Of course there are others who will try to bribe their children to behave. In the end, there is no "right way" to get your children to listen to you. Every child is different and as a parent you have to learn what works with your child. There are some general ideas you can try though, depending on the age of your child that might help you as a parent in find that style that works with your individual child.

For Infants And Toddlers

Infants and toddlers can be some of the most challenging children to try to get to listen to you because honestly they might listen but still can not fully grasp what you are telling them. One of the keys when dealing with kids in this age group is facial expressions and demonstrating actions to the child. When you are happy, make sure your child sees a smile on your face, that is one of the ways they know you are happy with what they are doing. Meanwhile, if they are doing something you disapprove for make sure you do not smile while disciplining them. When an infant or child "slaps at" a parent make sure they know in no uncertain terms that is not good, if you smile or laugh when telling them no they will receive a conflicting message. No matter how cute something is when your infant or toddler disobeys you, you can not react in the same way that you would when they do something you approve of. This means you can not smile or laugh when disciplining your child.

For Older Children