Top 13 Ways to Make Kids Listen

Parents, use this firm way of speaking when you want your child to do something. For example, 'When you finish brushing your teeth, then mom will read you a fairy tale' or 'When you finish drawing, then mom will let you watch cartoons', 'When you finish eating, then mom will take you out to play'...

Instead of using the word if, replace it with the phrase 'when... then' to convey a more positive and encouraging meaning. This will make your child more interested in the task you're requesting. Just a slight difference in words, but it makes your child listen without needing to be reminded, without scolding, achieving the desired result.

And remember, parents, you must follow through with what you've promised: if the child doesn't brush their teeth, then no story; similarly, if the child completes the task, they must keep their promise. Build trust with your child through even the smallest actions!

Instead of forcing your child to do as you say, give them the opportunity to choose. This is a way to show respect for your child and give them a chance to demonstrate their responsibility. The more you pressure your child, the more they may feel inclined to resist. Ask your child questions like: 'Do you want to change into pajamas or brush your teeth first?' or 'Do you want to wear the red hat or the blue hat?'... Surely, your child will happily carry out the task based on their choice.

For example, parents can ask questions to let the child decide: It's time to go, do you want to put your coat on by yourself or do you want Mom's help?

Most children enjoy being given the power to make decisions. By giving them choices, they will forget the feeling of opposing their parents.

Many parents, when they see their child watching TV while they are cooking, shout out, 'Turn off the TV and come eat now!' But you'll have to wait a long time until you run out of patience and still don't see your child leaving the screen, right? So instead of yelling at your child, you should go into the room where your child is watching TV, join in with their hobby for a few minutes, just such an action is a precedent for the child to stand up without saying a word. Then negotiate for the child to turn off the TV and come eat.

Sometimes gently teaching your child how to listen firmly with a relaxed mindset. Moreover, spending time with your child will make the bond between you and your child stronger, both of you feel comfortable, and affectionate. For children, there's nothing like gentle sweet words.

Looking into someone's eyes is a basic way of communication, showing respect. When teaching your child, you should do the same, don't underestimate them. The eyes are the window to the soul, this will help establish a bond of emotional connection with your child.
Before you ask your child to do something, sit down so that your eyes are at the same level as your child's eyes. This way, you can attract your child's attention. Your child's expressions will also be clearly visible on their face and in their eyes. At the same time, this method helps your child focus on what you're about to say.

However, you need to avoid looking at your child with angry eyes because then they will become scared and hesitant to look into your eyes. Adjust your gaze, be stern when necessary and gentle when advising. Just one proper look can make your child listen attentively.

When your child makes a mistake, many mothers often ask, “Why did you do that?” or “Why are you behaving like this?” When the child cries, the mother immediately asks, why are you crying? For the mother, these questions seem simple, but for the child, they are very difficult questions. In the subconscious of a child, they cannot think deeply like adults. The child does not know how to arrange words to describe their actions. In fact, sometimes we as adults don't even understand why we did what we did?

The mother should consider the child's level of understanding based on age. The younger the child, the shorter and simpler the mother's requests should be. The mother should start with simple questions like: “Can you tell mommy what happened?”, “What did you see?”, “What were you planning to do?”… The child will find it easier to share with the mother, and from there the mother will understand the child better.

Talking too much is a common mistake of parents when discussing things with their children. If you want your child to listen, you should only ask them to do one thing at a time. The more you 'pile on' with requests, the more likely your child will 'turn a deaf ear'. Just think, with a “mountain of tasks” you would feel overwhelmed and discouraged. Children are the same way. You should only ask your child to do one thing at a time like: “Could you please get mommy a glass of water?” and “Can you bring mommy the bag to the table?”… If you want your child to listen attentively, then apply this principle right away.

Moreover, their brains will operate logically, as they are trained from a young age to complete tasks, which will undoubtedly lead to acquiring many useful skills in the future.

From a young age, children love to be affectionately called by their name. They understand that their name is something very personal that they 'own'. Therefore, when making requests, parents should call their child by name; for example: 'Ben, could you please hand mommy the cup?', “Bống, it's time for dinner”… This way, when called by their name, children will pay more attention and feel more motivated. Conversely, they may become distracted and “forget” their mother's request or assume that the instruction is not directed at them.

A child's name is truly sacred to them, they think of their name as something noble and esteemed, they love the name that their parents have given them and cherish it. So, call children by their own name, and the bond between parents and children will be even stronger.

Many moms are unsure if their child understood their words or not and ask again, “Do you understand?” But this sometimes makes the child worried and say “yes” even if they don't fully understand. Moms should gently ask the child to repeat their request. If the child can't recall it, it means the mom's request is too long and too complicated. At that time, moms should remind the child with a short, simple, and easier-to-remember request.

This is how parents often check their child's memory. Instead of immediately asking the child to do what they said, you can ask again: 'What did Mommy ask you to do?' The child will answer your questions and carry out the requests you made. That's wonderful, isn't it?

When teaching your child, always remember the principle of simplicity. Use short sentences with language that your child understands. Listen to how children talk to each other and learn their language. When speaking to your child, make sure they fully understand. Speaking slowly, engaging eye contact will make your child feel cared for and stimulate their obedience.

Keeping it simple to teach your child in the simplest way possible, without complexity or pretentiousness, allows your child to develop naturally, without coercion, without scolding. Your simplicity today will be the foundation for your child's future growth.

Positive words always have a good impact on everyone, including children. Your child will feel sad and discouraged if you get angry and scold: don't make noise here; don't throw your clothes around like this... Instead of scolding your child, offer positive suggestions: Can you play in your room? Can you help mommy tidy up your clothes? Don't forget to accompany these suggestions with encouraging words like: you're a neat boy/girl; responsible, attentive. Mommy believes you'll do well...

At this point, your child will sense your intention and immediately obey. This is one of the ways to teach your child to show your respect. Your positive attitude also plays a crucial role in shaping your child's character and qualities.

Sometimes, you may feel quite annoyed when your child excessively expresses their own personality: insisting on choosing their favorite outfit, refusing to wear the clothes you give them, absolutely refusing to eat the meal you carefully prepared... But if you offer benefits to your child, everything will become easier: Wear long-sleeved shirt and we'll go out to play together. Eat this dish and we'll read comic books together... Providing benefits to your child makes your requests more persuasive and appealing. With benefits attached, it's hard for your child to refuse your requests.

If you only make demands without offering any benefits to your child when they complete the task, their answer will surely disappoint and upset you. Along with the task, provide benefits, it could be a small reward or a weekend outing, for example.

Instead of scolding your child and imposing your desires on them, share your thoughts and feelings with them. For example: When you argue with your little brother, I feel very sad. Because both of you are my beloved children, I hope you both love and support each other...

By sharing this, your child will feel respected, they will become a trusted friend to share with, and they will surely not want to cause you any more sadness.

Providing the reasons why you want your child to do something will stimulate their analytical skills and make them consider doing the task. Of course, the reasons will persuade your child to obey and behave well, right?

Instead of 'Put the knife down', say 'Mom wants you to put the knife down'; instead of 'Let Sam borrow the toy', you say: 'Mom wants you to let Sam borrow the toy'. This aligns with the child's developmental psychology: they want to make mom happy but dislike being ordered around.

Sometimes the phrase 'Mom needs, Mom wants' will make the child understand that they need to do something for mom, they will love mom more and obey her astonishingly.

Applying this method will help the child understand more about maternal love, how sacred it is, and how much the child loves and thinks about their mother. Give it a try