Strategies to Make Your Child Listen and Pay Attention to You

Parenting is the best job in the world, every parent would agree. However, it does come with many responsibilities and decisions. Sometimes it can be stressful, and hard to deal with certain situations. In order for you to manage it all, you have to understand the complex nature of your child, but also know some strategies on how to do it easier. Depending on life situations they deal with, children will act a certain way.

 

With TV, computers and modern gadgets, children today acquire much more information than we are aware of. Due to overconsumption, a child’s mind wanders and their attention span gets shorter, and not only does it affect their learning ability but it affects their listening skills in general. Since none of us is an expert when it comes to parenting and we are all basically learning while doing, it is always the safest to ask for advice. It is especially difficult for single parents as their responsibility is doubled, therefore, the anxiety and the frustration because of the everyday miscommunication with their children is twice as prominent. If your words hit the wall daily, here are some tips from people who solved the problem of communication successfully.

Try to get your child’s attention

This doesn’t mean that you need to outspeak the TV, the music, the gadgets or the rest of the family members. Instead, try getting down to your child’s height and make physical contact, like touching their head or face, and when you are sure that their attention is on you, say what you have to say. Also, if your child is in the middle of some activity, playing with a toy or watching something interesting, don’t interrupt them abruptly. Show respect and interest in the thing that occupies their attention by making an interesting comment about it or asking some questions. Then, when you are sure that you have your child’s attention, move onto the business of your interest.

Interaction with school, surroundings, and peers

School time is a very complicated time. Children encounter with their peers, responsibilities, and some kind of pressure for the first time. You being involved in their education process will help them handle it better. School management software is one way to stay informed about your child’s progress and achievement, it can be an invaluable tool that can help you help them where help is needed. Be careful not to use this opportunity to scold or get mad at your child. React only when there is a more serious problem, and be supportive of this process.

An additional problem that may occur is their interaction with friends from school. This can reflect back at you because they tend to get mad and stay away from you. It is hard for them, at times to fit in, that is why they need your nudge. Sign them up for an extracurricular activity or sport they are interested in. Encourage them to be active, friendly and have friends over for a movie night or even studying together. Introduce them to all the bad habits they can develop, but make sure they understand why it Is bad for them. Making something less of a taboo will not make them do it, just be familiar enough with it to make the right choice. You will be the cool parent, your child wants.

Different life periods every child goes through

Adolescence is probably the most critical period in the life of every young person, and the hardest for parents to figure out. Many changes happen during the teenage years. School, love, friendship problems, and it all affects children differently. It is important to know what behavior is normal. Don’t be scared if your child is angry at you at times for no particular reason, or closes in the room and listens to music every day, or is not interested in school. Although that is not something you want for your child, you have to understand that that behavior is normal. However, you should do something to help them. Figure out what your child responds to the best. It can be talking or spending time with them doing something they love. Ask your child to go to the movies with you, and try being more of a friend if they see you as a strict parent. But, don’t overdo it. Don’t get mad at them for getting into small trouble, or getting bad grades, rather explain that you are a bit disappointed, but you know they will try harder. This way, they won’t feel threatened but will understand you.

On the other hand, some behaviors are pretty dangerous and need special attention and care. Not sleeping, or sleeping too much, changes in eating habits, loss of will to do the things they loved doing, are all clear signs of depression. Sometimes, this is out of your power to deal with, so consult a doctor. The approach here is very important because you don’t want to scare or embrace your child. Be supportive, and explain that talking with a psychologist is totally normal, and something that you do too because it is easier sometimes to confide to a stranger who actually knows how to help you. Don’t push them to tell you everything right away. Trust the process, and be patient.