How to Get Your Little One to Listen

Incase you haven't figured it out by now toddlers are just like us grown folks, they listen when they want to, as a matter of fact they are at a stage where they need to be taught how to pay attention. How many of you tell your toddler something more then 2 or three times and after the third time start counting down to punishment? This method is actually conditioning your child to think they don't have to listen untill that second or third time.

Being a good listener is very beneficial for your little one. it will teach them to get along better with others grown and others around their age, heed danger signs and teach respect. There are many simple ways to get your toddler to start paying more attention, remember be patient, it's never to early to start teaching, they may not have the listening skills of a kindergartner but they do have these skills ready to develop.

Get on their level.

It doesn't do much good when your up there and they are down there. Kneel down and get on eye level with them. Not only will you grab their attention but they will listen to you much more closely.

Be clear and to the point.

Say what you have to say quickly, clearly and with authority. Toddlers have short attention span and will eventually zone you out.

Follow Through.

If you tell your toddler something do it. Don't make promises or "threats" that you don't intend on keeping. For example if you say they need to eat all their vegetables during dinner and when dinner time rolls around and you let them slide or only eat a piece of broccoli. Also make sure your spouse or partner is on the same boat as you so no ones authority gets undermined.

Give warnings

Give your child respect. I can't stand it when I see parents who feel just because they are younger then us we have the right to interupt them when they are busy in their little world. Hence give warnings. If they are busy playing with their toys or watching a show they like let them know "We are going to leave in 5 mins" or " You got five mins before its time for you to wash up and go to sleep". This way it gives them enough time to finish what ever they were doing.

Motivate.

Ok so yelling at your child might bring some results in getting things done with "some children", not all, but honestly the process is not fun for both sides. Instead most children respond better when you treat them with confident good humor. You don't always have to yell out instructions, it's amazing the results you will get if you use a silly voice or sing a goofy song of "it's time to brush your teeth", not to mention this will want to make your child listen to you.

Model good behavior.

They will be better listeners if you are a good listener yourself. Make it a habit to pay attention and listen to what your child has to say just like you would to an adult. s with so many other behaviors, the old saw "Do as I say, not as I do" has no value when teaching your children to listen