Since we are smack in the middle of July and many people are traveling and enjoying summer with their families, we are going to something a little bit different. Today, we are republishing Episode 5 of the podcast, which is our most popular episode to date. If you haven’t listened to it yet, today is your lucky day! If you have listened, this is a topic that could always use a good refresher.
This episode stems from a listener question: “What should I do when my child doesn’t listen – flat out ignoring me until I yell or do something physical to get their attention? I ask calmly and quietly and kindly and after the 3rd time, I may need to make eye contact, but even when they acknowledge that I asked something (OK, Mom) they don’t do it.”
In this episode, we answer that question by first laying a foundation. We talk about the importance of developing a leadership mindset in parenting, complete with suggestions on how to do that. We teach the specifics of authoritative communication, which is the magic sauce. They are:
- Be direct – don’t leave any question as to what you want the child to do.
- Do not give instructions in the form of a question.
- Be concise – fewer words are better.
- Do not threaten, bribe, beg, or offer lengthy explanations.
- Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
We also give specific examples of how to implement this framework. It will work for toddlers up to teens.
The approach we teach is not rocket science – it is common sense! Listen in!
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