Getting your super hyper toddler to listen can seem like a lot of work- and actually is. Here are 5 top Pediatrician-Recommended tips to get your toddler to listen more.
Here are my top 5 strategies.
1. Get his attention
Did you know? Research shows that the likelihood of a child cooperating when a Parent talks depends largely on what he’s doing when the request is made. Before you give an instruction, make sure your child is paying attention to you and making eye contact. It’s easier to listen when they can hear your words and read your body language that shouts ‘hey, mummy is NOT joking!’.
2. Clown around.
Toddlers love parents and doctors who are ‘chilled’ enough to act ridiculous just to make them laugh. According to Prents.com, Karen Carson, M.D., a pediatrician in Roswell, New Mexico turns the physical exam into a silly scavenger hunt: “I tell kids that I see Elmo, Dory, or Spider-Man in their ear. I continue with monkeys in the mouth and elephants in the tummy. When I’m in a hurry, my patients often get mad if I don’t see something!” I think Dr. Carson’s trick is applicable in all sorts of scenarios, whether you’re changing your 1-year-old’s diaper or trying to make her eat. Use fun characters, melody, stories and sounds as you clean your baby’s bum or pull up the pants.
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3. Don’t ask—tell
Asking if you child can do something will most likely attract a negative reply. Tell your child ‘Put on your shoes’, ‘Brush your teeth’ instead of ‘Can you brush your teeth’. Unlike adults, children simply don’t understand that a polite question actually means “Do this!”
4. Be patient
Expecting your toddler to always listen is expecting rain in dry season. It’s a long shot. Pick your battles, be patient and celebrate little wins.
5. Give Options
Offering options tells your toddler his opinion counts. You could say “Will you walk or should I carry you”? If your toddler refuses to pick an option, pick the one that best suits you and communicate your decision to your child. Next time, when you give options, you can expect a faster response.
What other strategies do you use to get your toddlers cooperate? Please share in the comments.
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