A lot of parents have a hard time getting kids to follow simple requests and directions. They ask their children to get ready for bed, or pick up their toys, or get dressed for school, but their kids just don’t do what they are asked. Then parents may scream, threaten, or just give up. When this happens, it causes lots of bad feelings in the home, and can be the start of serious behavioral problems.When children don’t listen I often tell parents about the “Repeat Technique.” It is simple to do, and almost always works right away.
Instead of asking children to do something (“Will you pick up the toys?”), tell them what you want them to do in a clear, firm, simple sentence, saying something like:“Pick up the toys, please.” No matter what your children respond back—and they may bargain, whine, plead, give excuses and over and over again. Do not raise your voice or change your expression.Keep your emotions in check. Just keep repeating the same simple directive, and within a few moments your child will see that you mean business and will do what you want.
Although this technique may seem awkward at first, if you do it correctly, most children will do what you want after you have stated your directive five or six times. If you use this technique whenever your kids resist your directions, they will soon learn that you mean business when it comes to being in charge of the household, and the negotiating, whining, and challenges will stop. Soon you’ll find there is nothing quite like a peaceful household where kids are kind, considerate, and attentive to others’ needs.
