Positive phrases help kids to behave well. Try these positive phrases for getting kids to listen to you. Say these instead of commanding your child.

 

Having a problem getting kids to listen to you? Are you becoming the “do-it-because-I-told-you-to-do-mom”? STOP RIGHT AWAY. Use these positive phrases in your parenting instead.

 

All moms face these parenting challenges when the kids are not listening and you have to resort to – yelling, shouting, reprimanding. Take a deep breath, calm yourself down first.

A 2 or 3-year-old will follow instructions of a parent when it is told to them in a gentle comforting way. Your impatience will make them impatient. Switch to a neutral calm tone and see the difference.

I practice positive parenting or gentle parenting whatever you want to name it. I also speak to my son as an individual and never command him unless really badly required.

 

When you use an encouraging tone in your voice and play with your words properly kids tend to listen better.

 

These positive phrases will help you in getting your kids to listen to you and get the job done.

7 Positive Phrases for getting kids to listen – Say these instead of commanding your child

 

#1 What did you learn / Or what will you choose?

 

 

There are two ways of communicating with a child – tell him what to do or let him choose what to do. As a gentle parent your responsibility is to facilitate him how to make the choice between good and bad.

 

Mistakes are good. Instead of telling negative things like “why did you do that”, “shame on you”, “you should realize your mistake” use positive phrases like “what did you learn from doing that”, “what will you choose – to mess this place or arrange the toys by color”?

 

#2 “You are a healthy eater”, “we’ll try something healthy”

 

Dealing with a picky eater? I can hear you. I have dealt with it for two long years. When you tell a child “you are a picky eater”, “you are moody eater” – they tend to take things quite literally.

 

Tell positive phrases like “we’ll eat something healthy instead of this snack and become strong”. “you are a healthy eater, can we eat that apple”?

 

#3 “Good job done”

Kids are always eager to hear appreciation for their deeds (or misdeeds also at times). Toddlers specially like to hear good words for doing their routine. Encourage them by saying “good job done – you did it all by yourself” – when they are training for toilet, if they brush their teeth on their own.

Recognize their efforts and boost their confidence with “you did this without any help” for little things like finishing their homework, packing bags or getting ready for school.

 

#4 “I love you”

Do not ration your hugs and kisses and ‘love yous’. Kids love these – it gives them sense of security, boosts their emotional health and gives them confidence in you.

 

“I love you no matter what”, “I will always love you”, “mamma will always love you” are some positive phrases that works as emotional security for kids.

 

#5 “Do you need help”

 

You want t=your child to do something on his own but he is reluctant. Instead of saying “you have to do it on your own” say things like “would you try to do this and see if you can do it”, “do you need some help”?

Kids love challenges – in most cases they will reply “I can do this”. My son is heavily influenced by Captain America (just like the mom) and he likes repeating “I can do this all day” and “I don’t need some help”. Works for me.

 

#6 “You are kind and gentle”, “you did this because of your hard work”

 

Teaching kids that hard work is important is easiest when you repeat the importance of hard work in various ways. If they do good in studies don’t just give treat and put a full stop. Reiterate and recognize their hard work. “You scored a 10/10 because of your hard work. Good job done”.

 

Appreciate a good deed of your child when they share toys or food with friends with “you are kind and gentle, very good”, “sharing is caring, I see you are sharing, good job”.

 

#7 Thank them for listening to you

 

Gratitude expressed is gratitude learnt. “Thank you for doing this”, “Thank you for listening to mumma” are a good way to express your gratitude and teaching kids to be humble and thankful.