How to motivate your kids to listen

The Happy Human Life

If you struggle getting your kids to listen and follow through with even the simplest tasks, then this episode is for you!

It can be SO frustrating to feel like you're being ignored or to be met with constant whining, so in this episode, we discuss strategies to motivate your kids to listen without resorting to threats or nagging.

We start by emphasizing the importance of LEADING WITH CONNECTION.

We should recognize that our kids’ lack of listening is often a skill deficit, not an act of defiance. They aren't trying to annoy or hurt us, but instead, they’re likely just preoccupied or aren’t on the same timeline as us.

So let’s try to approach these situations as a TEAM. We shouldn’t be there just to enforce rules. We should work together to tackle whatever problem there is.

It can be SO helpful to start by involving ourselves in THEIR world before expecting them to involve themselves in ours… even if it’s just for a minute.

Sitting with them and showing a genuine interest in what THEY’RE doing can make a huge difference in getting them on board with what WE want them to do.

This kind of connection will open up the pathway for better communication, because when children feel seen, heard, and valued, they’re going to be more likely to listen.

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Thanks for listening. 🙂

-Jenilee and Greg