Why Kids Don't Listen and What to Do About It

This may come as a shocker but, kids don't listen. It's a fact of life that every parent knows all too well. Whether you're trying to get your kids to eat their veggies, do their homework, or go to bed on time, it can feel like you're constantly talking to a brick wall. But there are things you can do to get your kids to start listening.

The first step is understanding why kids don't listen in the first place. It's important to remember that kids are still learning how to communicate and understand the world around them. They're also going through lots of changes both mentally and physically, which can make it hard for them to pay attention. Add in the fact that they often have shorter attention spans than adults, and it's no wonder that getting them to listen can be a challenge.

Of course, there are also times when kids are just being willful and choosing not to listen. Maybe they don't want to do what you're asking them to do, or they know that if they stall long enough, you'll eventually give up and let them do what they want. Either way, it can be frustrating for us as parents.

So, what can you do to get your kids to start listening? Here are a few tips:

-Make sure you have their attention before you start talking. Get down on their level, make eye contact, and use a gentle tone of voice.

-Keep your message clear and understandable. Kids are more likely to listen if they know exactly what you're saying.

-Give them time to process what you've said. Don't just expect them to immediately do what you ask.

-Listen to them as well. Validate their feelings and give them a chance to explain their side of the story.

-Be patient and consistent. Kids aren't always going to listen the first (or even the hundredth) time you ask them to do something. But if you keep at it, eventually they'll get the message.

Keeping Kids Engaged When Asking Them to Listen

​Kids don't listen. They don't sit still. They don't pay attention. They never seem to hear you when you're talking to them. If you're a parent, you know the drill. Getting your kids to listen can feel like an uphill battle.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are actually a few things you can do to increase the chances that your kids will listen to you when you're talking to them.

Here are a few tips for keeping your kids engaged when asking them to listen:

1. Start by getting their attention.

This may seem obvious, but it's worth saying because it's so important. If you want your kids to listen to you, you need to get their attention first. And that means no shouting from across the room.

Walk over to where they are and get down to their level. Make eye contact and use a calm, firm voice. This will let them know that you're serious and that they need to listen.

2. Make it short and sweet.

Kids have short attention spans, so it's important to keep your message short and to the point. If you try to talk for too long, they're likely to tune you out.

So, before you start talking, figure out what it is you want to say. Then, say it in as few words as possible. This will help keep your kids engaged and prevent them from getting bored.

3. Give them a reason to listen.

If you want your kids to really listen to you, you need to give them a good reason. Kids are more likely to listen if they think what you're saying is important or if they stand to benefit from it in some way.

So, before you start talking, think about why your message is important and how it can help your kids. Then, share that with them. This will help them see the value in what you're saying and make them more likely to listen.

4. Use questions to keep them engaged.

Asking your kids questions is a great way to keep them engaged when you're talking to them. It also allows you to gauge their understanding of what you're saying and make sure they're actually listening.

Throughout your conversation, ask your kids questions about what you're saying. This will help keep their attention focused on you and allow you to make sure they're understanding what you're saying.

5. Follow up afterwards.

Once you've finished talking, follow up with your kids to see if they have any questions or if they need clarification on anything. This is a great way to make sure they were actually listening and that they understand what you were saying.

You can also use this time to reinforce the importance of what you were saying. This will help your kids remember the message and make it more likely that they'll listen next time.

Different Strategies for Different Ages

​In our household, the children's ages range from 2 to 12. This can make plans for rules and regulations designated to listening difficult. There is no one size fits all when it comes to parenting, and that includes different strategies for different ages. With younger kids, it's all about setting boundaries and making sure they understand the consequences for not following the rules. With older kids, it's about giving them more freedom and trust and helping them to learn from their mistakes. And with kids of all ages, it's important to be consistent, patient and understanding.

One of the most challenging things about being a parent is that kids don't always listen. They may not understand what you're saying, they may be tired or distracted or they may just be testing your limits. But there are ways to improve communication and get your kids to listen to you more.

One way to do this is to make sure you have their attention before you start talking. Get down to their level, make eye contact and use a calm, firm voice. It's also important to keep your message clear and concise. Tell them what you want them to do, why you want them to do it and what the consequences will be if they don't.

If you find yourself repeating yourself or getting frustrated, take a step back and try again later. It's also helpful to model the behavior you want to see in your kids. If you're calm and respectful, they're more likely to be the same.

Different strategies will work for different kids, so it's important to experiment and find what works best for your family. But above all, remember that kids are learning from you every day. Be the parent you want them to be.

🧡Shine Bright, Kayla