Why Doesn’t He Listen to Me? – Breaking the Cycle of Frustration in Parenting

One day, I found myself standing in the middle of the living room, calling my son over and over. “Come put on your shoes, we’re late.” He was playing, completely ignoring me. After five calls, it becomes hard to keep your cool, right?

When children don’t listen, it’s not because they want to annoy us. It’s often related to their need for attention. The way we address them affects their willingness to cooperate.

Tips for Improving Listening:

1. Make Eye Contact: Instead of shouting from another room, go to him, get down to his eye level, and ensure there is eye contact when you speak.

2. Use Positive Language: Instead of “don’t forget to pick up your shoes,” try “pick up your shoes, and you can run outside!” This makes the request something he wants to do.

3. Encourage Independence: Give him the choice – “Do you want to dress yourself or should I help you?” This allows the child to feel in control and reduces resistance.

With small changes in our approach, we can lead our children to cooperate willingly. When you feel they are listening to you, the frustration dissipates, and communication becomes much more pleasant for everyone.