It’s frustrating when children fidget and find it difficult to undertake their school work at home. Children have a short span of attention. Don’t get angry with them for their impatience and difficulty to concentrate. Getting angry will merely alienate them. These are the things you need to do if you want to ensure they will follow your instructions without too much fuss or tears.
Clear and concise instructions
One of the reasons why children don’t follow instructions is that they didn’t understand what you said. Deliver instructions calmly and without raising your voice. You might also want to think twice before delivering lengthy speeches. Concentration is key here; they will quickly lose that concentration. If you want to get their attention, you have to make your instructions short and easy to follow.
Get their attention
You also can’t expect your children to follow you if you’re not in the same room whilst dishing out instructions.. You have to come closer and talk to them gently, calmly but firmly. If you can go down to their level and look at them in the eyes, it would help. It helps them understand your instructions with greater clarity. It also shows that you care about how they feel.
Explain the benefits
When you ask your children to do something, they will complain because they don’t see the point of doing it. You must always explain the task if you want it completed successfully. For instance, if they keep on using electronic devices, you might want them to use EMF protection. You know that it will help prevent radiation from adversely impacting their health. However, it’s not something that children would easily understand. Therefore, you need to explain to them the benefit EMF protection, why it is so important and what the effects on their health might be without the protection.
Positive instruction
If you keep telling your children to avoid doing something, they will feel more enticed to do the opposite. Instead of saying no, you have to be more positive when giving instructions. You can’t expect kids to follow your instructions if they felt like you are forcing them to do something. Explain clearly what you want doing and the reason why it needs doing so they understand fully.
Say thank you in advance
You should also say thank you in advance to your children even before they complete the task you ask of them. It makes them feel appreciated. Apart from making sure that they follow your instructions, they also learn to say these golden phrases. You want them to keep on saying thank you and sorry to other people and feel comfortable with that.
You don’t need to fight with your children if they failed to listen to your words. You have to challenge yourself to rethink how you give instructions. You also want to retain the respect of your children and maintain a positive relationship. Talk to them regularly so that you will also know how they feel. It will be easier for you to make them follow your instructions if they feel comfortable being around you.
