I recently got a question on Instagram: “What should I do when my child doesn’t listen – flat out ignoring me until I yell or do something physical to get their attention? I ask calmly and quietly and kindly and after the 3rdtime, I may need to make eye contact, but even when they acknowledge that I asked something (OK, Mom) they don’t do it.”
In this episode, we answer that question by first laying a foundation. We talk about the importance of developing a leadership mindset in parenting, complete with suggestions on how to do that. We teach the specifics of authoritative communication, which is the magic sauce. They are:
- Be direct – don’t leave any question as to what you want the child to do.
- Do not give instructions in the form of a question.
- Be concise – fewer words are better.
- Do not threaten, bribe, beg, or offer lengthy explanations.
- Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
The approach we teach is not rocket science – it is common sense! Listen in!
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