Positive Parenting: 10 Phrases that will Make your Child Listen
Your child will be more attentive and will be more likely to follow if you use positive words instead.
Ever catch yourself always beginning sentences with “Don’t…” or “Stop…” when talking to your kids? It’s a very common thing for moms to be saying these same lines over and over again with little or no effect at all. So before frustration and exasperation set in, think about trying a different approach. When dealing with determined kids, an effective way of getting your message across is using positive reinforcement.
Here are 10 common “nay” statements that can be turned to “ayes”:
1. Instead of “Don’t do that!”
Try “Mommy would be happy to see you do this instead.”
2. Instead of “Stop crying or else!” or “Don’t be a cry baby.”
Try “I know that you felt bad about what happened, Mommy is here to help you.”
3. Instead of “I’m busy.”
Try “I want to play with you. Mommy just needs to finish something important and then we can play.”
4. Instead of “Hurry up!” or “Move faster!”
Try “Can Mommy help you with what you are doing?”
5. Instead of “Stop that!”
Try “If you continue to do that, you might hurt yourself.”
6. Instead of “You’re so kulit!”
Try “Can you be Mommy’s little helper and do this (a chore) for me?”
7. Instead of “You never learn!”
Try “You are a big boy/girl already. You already know what you should and shouldn’t do.”
8. Instead of “You don’t listen to me!”
Try “Mommy will really be happy if you follow what I say.”
9. Instead of “Why can’t you be more like your other sibling?”
Try “Your brother/sister is doing something really pleasing to Mommy, You should do that as well.”
10. Instead of “Hala! Isusumbong kita kay Daddy.”
Try “Remember what Mommy said about that (fault)? You should know what to do by now.”
Remember, kids don’t respond well to commands, especially if you are asking them to do something other than what they want. The best strategy is to explain why you want your child to do a particular thing. Try using these alternative statements when faced with similar situations and you just might get the response you are looking for.
Make sure that you also devote enough time with your kids, because one of the reasons children often act up is because they are seeking your attention. It is important to have that special “mommy and me” time, as it will surely boost your child’s confidence and self-worth.
