How to Get Your Kids to Listen

Susanna Colleen
4 min readJul 11, 2024

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I hate repeating myself… Break that habit

I also decided to make a YouTube video out of this so feel free to watch it here:

To teach your kids to listen effectively, it’s essential to establish a foundation of communication that guarantees they not only hear you but also understand the importance of responding appropriately. Once you’ve mastered this fundamental step, incorporating engaging activities can further reinforce this skill in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial. However, the key lies in instilling a sense of discipline and respect that goes beyond just listening; it’s about fostering a mindset of attentiveness and obedience that will serve them well in various aspects of life.

First — Make Sure they HEAR You

To guarantee your children listen and follow your instructions, begin by confirming that they hear you consistently. The frustration of repeating yourself endlessly can drive any parent to the brink. It’s not just about the sock on the floor; it’s about instilling a sense of responsibility and respect in your child. If they can’t even hear you calling their name, how can they be expected to heed important instructions in critical situations?

Take a step back and focus on ensuring they acknowledge your presence. Spend time training them to respond when you call their name. This simple exercise eliminates the uncertainty of whether they heard you or not. It sets the foundation for effective communication and obedience. No more yelling in exasperation or losing your temper.

Then Play a Game

Engage your children by incorporating interactive games to reinforce listening and obedience skills. Playing a game isn’t just about having fun; it’s a strategic tool to instill discipline and responsiveness in your kids. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed game to teach your children valuable lessons.

Make it clear that listening and obeying aren’t negotiable. Start with games like ‘Mother May I’ that require immediate and respectful responses to commands. Encourage your kids to follow instructions promptly and with a positive attitude. Remember, this isn’t just about picking up a sock; it’s about fostering a mindset of attentiveness and respect that will benefit them in all areas of life.

Be creative with your game choices — try variations like ‘Red Light, Green Light’ or ‘Simon Says’ to keep things interesting while reinforcing the importance of listening carefully. These games won’t only entertain your children but also provide practical training in obedience that goes beyond mere compliance.

Embrace the opportunity to mold your children into attentive, respectful individuals through the power of play.

To teach your kids to listen effectively, it’s essential to establish a foundation of communication that guarantees they not only hear you but also understand the importance of responding appropriately. Once you’ve mastered this fundamental step, incorporating engaging activities can further reinforce this skill in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial. However, the key lies in instilling a sense of discipline and respect that goes beyond just listening; it’s about fostering a mindset of attentiveness and obedience that will serve them well in various aspects of life.

Express the Seriously of Obedience

Highlight the critical nature of obedience to guarantee your children grasp its importance. Obedience isn’t a mere suggestion; it’s a non-negotiable element of a well-functioning family dynamic. Your kids need to understand that obeying isn’t just about picking up a sock or putting toys away — it’s about their safety, their well-being, and their ability to navigate the world responsibly.

When you emphasize the seriousness of obedience, you instill in them a sense of discipline and respect that will serve them well beyond childhood.

Imagine a scenario where your child’s immediate obedience can be a matter of life or death. Picture them about to dash into the street, and your command to stop is met with hesitation or disregard. The gravity of obedience becomes crystal clear in such moments.

By teaching your children the importance of listening and obeying promptly, you equip them with the tools to handle situations that require quick, decisive action.

Check out another parenting article here:

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Susanna Colleen

Aiming for all things parenting to help you in your journey. Probably going to be some making money online, and reviews in the process.