Come down to their level

Come down to your child’s eye level, make sure there is  an-eye-to-eye contact before giving them directives.

Repeat, repeat and repeat

They need to be told a thousand times over. Children take time to internalise directives, so be patient. As they grow older , please reduce the repetitions otherwise you are nagging.

Contact before directive

Walk to where your child is, instead of yelling from miles away. Except of course they are in danger

Keep it short and simple

Use short sentences that are easy to understand

I want you to…..

Instead of belting out directives, maybe start by saying; Sherry, I want you to…….

Use conditional sentences. They are helpful

When you……..then you/we can…………..

Calm your child down

When your child is an emotional wreck, they hear nothing you say

Be socially correct

We want them to be polite so please use “please”

Use rhyme rules

If you hit, you must sit.

Close the discussion

Use your “I mean business “to close the conversation.  “I am not changing my mind”

 

For more tips, go to

25 Ways to Talk So Kids Will Listen