Frustrated when your child runs off in public, especially when he thinks it's a big game? Learn how to discipline your toddler running away in a gentle but effective way. We've all seen the exasperated mom chasing after her toddler running away — maybe you've even found yourself in that situation. From the grocery store to the mall, your toddler prefers to dash ahead instead of walking by your side. He might even run away like it's a game or hide out of sight as if playing peek-a-boo. The worst part? Each time you grab hold of him again, he greets you with a mischievous grin. It … [Read more...]
(Old) One Effective Word to Get Kids to Listen
Teaching children to listen the first time is a common parenting struggle every mom has faced. Learn how to get kids to listen with this one effective word. My three-year-old was stalling over everything. He'd take forever to put each leg through his shorts. I'd have to wait longer than usual for him to get out of the van. Even finishing dinner was another way for him to not do something I asked him to do. He knows he gets a reaction when he does this. Other times, he takes things personally and can't seem to just let it go. And still other times, it's difficult to convince him to do … [Read more...]
What to Do if Your Child Is Talking in Class Too Much
What do you do if your child is talking in class too much? Help her focus, pay attention, and learn in class with these gentle and effective tips. Jeanette saw the dreaded teacher's note. As usual, it said her child had been disrupting the class again with her nonstop talking. She was also getting left behind because she was missing or misunderstanding instructions. When your child is talking in class too much Jeanette tried punishment, which never seemed to work. And both she and her teacher recognized her daughter is a bright girl. But she was running out of ideas on how to get her … [Read more...]
How to Stop Nagging Your Child to Get Stuff Done
Do you nag your kids over everyday little things like taking a bath or putting dishes away? Here's how to stop nagging your child to get stuff done. Her kids have three hours to get everything done when they come home from school. Everyday tasks like brushing their teeth and finishing homework needed nagging. They can't complain for lack of time. Three hours is plenty enough to get these tasks done and still have downtime. But she can't seem to motivate them to start the tasks themselves—she nags her kids to get things done. (Read more about homework mistakes to avoid with your … [Read more...]
How to Get Your Child to Listen to You
You're embarrassed to admit it, but it takes several tries to get your child to listen. Discover effective techniques on teaching children to listen even the first time. Tonight was rough. One kid kept pulling the blinds even though he knew he shouldn't. Another wouldn't clean up his toys, even though I've asked him nicely to do so. All three were taking turns acting grouchy, crying, or whining. Teaching children to listen Getting kids to listen involves parents as much as them. When I'm testy, they antagonize. When I'm removed, so are they. And when I'm calm and matter-of-fact, they're … [Read more...]
The Importance of Listening: How to Be a Good Listener
Do you REALLY listen to others? We're not always listening as well as we could. Learn the importance of listening, and exactly how to be a good listener to others. Don't you hate it when you're having a conversation and the other person has already responded before you've finished your sentence? Or when you're talking to someone and she interrupts to say something completely unrelated? The importance of listening These are the signs of bad listening, and I admit, I've been guilty more than once. Listening is one of the most overlooked yet necessary skills we all could improve. Whether … [Read more...]
“Respect the No”: 3 Reasons to Listen When Your Child Says No
Tired of when your child says no all the time? Before you ignore your children's no's, consider these three reasons to listen—and respect— them when your child says no. It seems we tell our kids "no" all the time, from discipline to wanting new toys. But we forget the other side—when our kids say "no." Think about all the times your child says no. Maybe it's when another child demanded to play with the toy train in his hand. Or when an adult tickled him to tears and exhaustion despite saying no several times. Or if they're like my twins, maybe he's frustrated because you keep asking if … [Read more...]