How to get these kids to LISTEN?

AnnapolisLari

I have no problem with repeating things a few times-- they are little, after all. But when I am saying the same thing for the 7th and 8th time in 30 minutes, I start to lose it and yell.

I've done the 'no distractions, look at me' thing. I make sure that they are paying attention before I say something. I will take away a toy to get them focused so that their attention isn't divided.

It's gotten worse because it's been snowing for ages and way too cold for them outside, and there are only so many things that we can do outside the house (finances and time). K is getting a huge molar and I am suffering from a kidney stone. My house is trashed because I've been trying to entertain them. They are acting like little asylum inmates and someone is going to get hurt from the NOT LISTENING.

 

katie277s

Listening has been a struggle in my house too.  Logan was having issues in schoo with not listening to his teachers.  The only thing that we found that worked was taking away his favorite things (i.e., no TV, no video games, early bedtimes, etc.).  We had to go to needing a full week of good reports from his teachers to get his privledges back.  That really got through to him.  One night of no fun and an early bed time was fine, but a whole week was enough to make him remember that he has to listen. 

Zenya

we had to get really firm with consequences, natural and otherwise!

shiloh17

I feel your pain. These kids have been bonkers w being stuck inside. We got 5 inches of snow this morning--7 to 10 more coming tonight. Its freezing out, but not windy--so I bundled them up and put them outside. They were out for almost an hr. I can see a difference in their behavior just from getting out for that little bit. My next resort will be a bath bc they are usually good in the tub. Im so over the cold and snow. Im hoping for an easy afternoon of movies, snacks, bath--and maybe one kid will nap! Hope you feel better.

jlw2505

When my kids will just not listen at all, I try making a game out of it to really get there attention.  I tell them to touch and then name off a few body parts and they think it is a blast.  I do it until I know they are really paying attention to me.  I then tell them whatever I need to tell.  I have also done  a Simon Says type of game to get them to do whatever it is I have been trying to tell them.  Simon Says - walk to the dinner table.  Simon Says touch your chair.  I have just found that with my girls making things a game and sometimes pretty silly, they pay more attention. Not all the time of course but it works more than it doesn't.