Do you get frustrated when you can’t get your kids to listen?

Do you get frustrated when you really need to get your little ones attention and they just won’t listen?

For me this usually happens when my little guy is fully absorbed in a game or something that he just “has to finish” before he can possibly listen to me.

It can be frustrating… but there are some handy tips you can use if you really need to get your little ones attention.

The important thing to remember is that when kids play they are actually “at work”. So an interruption to them during their work, feels much the same to them as an interruption feels to us when we’re trying to concentrate on an important job or task.

It can help to think about how you would like to be approached when you’re in the middle of something important:

1. Acknowledge what they are doing

This might sound something like “Hey! I can see you’re really busy dropping your dinosaur into the boiling bucket right now” (Yes, this is something I actually said to my kid this week – no it wasn’t an actual boiling bucket, he was pretending his dinosaur was “the big bad wolf” in a container full of water in the shower… anyway, you get the picture)

It can also help to get down to their level and place your hand gently on their shoulder, and once you can see you have their attention, then start acknowledging their activity.

2. Give them the control and freedom to finish their activity

Little ones will usually be a lot more open to doing something you ask them to do when it is “on their terms” or they feel in control over when or how they do the task you are asking them to do.

This can be as simple as saying the key words “When you are finished…”

Using these key words shows them that not only can you see they are very busy with their work, but that you also understand how important their work is, and understand their need to finish the job they are doing before they can do what you are asking.

3. Ask them to do the job / task / chore that it is you want them to do

This is the simple part “Can you please…”

The whole conversation should be pretty quick and simple, so for example, you might say:

“Hey! [get down to their level and gently touch shoulder] I can see you’re really busy washing your baby right now. When you are finished, can you please wash your hands ready for dinner.”

Once you have said what you need to say simply leave your little one to finish their job or activity and see what happens!

If you have the chance to try this technique out I’d love to hear how you go (comment at the bottom of this page or pop an email through to me dominique@ohbeehave.com.au)!

Before you go, make sure you scroll down to check out my FREEBIE to help you introduce CALMING TECHNIQUES to your little ones!