Kids are quite observant and mimic the actions of the parent/guardians. Every action holds a significant meaning to your child.  The smiles, looks, actions, and silence mean a lot to children. How you speak to your kids will determine the type of feedback from the child

As a parent/guardian, it is very frustrating when your kids appear not to be listening or ignoring your talks. Having good communication is an essential skill between parents and kids. Parents or guardians tend to have complaints and get annoyed quickly, even at little things done by their kids. The reason is that they communicate without even realizing how their kids would receive the message.

Parents need to communicate with words and feelings that are meaningful and actionable to have better communication breakthroughs between them. Planning for effective communication strategies for parents and kids will bring warm and friendly talks between them.

Why aren’t your kids listening?

When your kids cannot utilize their powers positively, they will automatically use them negatively

Reasons why kids might not listen

Several explanations make your kid not listen to you. They consist of;

• Attention to something else

It is very crucial not to assume that their attention can be easily divided when they are involved in other activities like;

• Doing their homework
• Watching movies
• Having fun with friends
• Drawing and painting

• Pushing boundaries.

The kids may be trying to emphasize their power or control, which they believe they should have. Kids love exploring the environment around them; they may start to push boundaries as they develop a sense of self.

• Parents are talking too much and not giving a listening ear

Keep your demands short and specific to help your kids understand better what you want them to do. Only throw a few words at a time. Just try to process several demands slowly so they will not be speechless.

• They feel condemned

Your kid may turn off if they feel judged for doing something wrong. This will make them have difficulty listening if their feelings have been minimized. Therefore, it is good to introduce effective communication strategies for parents to enable them to praise their kids.

• Parents' words and actions don't match.

If you say one thing but do another, you automatically confuse your kids, and they may not feel like they need to listen to you again. It will be more beneficial if you follow your words to motivate them that listening matters.

• Physical barrier

Your child may need to listen to you, but they physically can't. If you notice your kid can't hear you correctly, take the child to a pediatrician. The physical barrier could be a result of;

• Wax buildup affecting hearing
• Auditory processing disorder

• Mental health condition

Your child may have difficulties in listening due to a mental health condition known as a neurodevelopmental disorder called Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The disorder often develops in childhood.

Effective communication strategies for parents

There are several effective communication strategies for parents and their kids. They comprise;

• Make listening a priority.

Listening openly with heartfelt communication is an excellent strategy to build their self-esteem and respect. Children need an opportunity to express and share their opinions and get appreciated. Feeling understood provides a better connection to both of you and makes it more likely your kid will be open to you on everything.

• Speak kindly

Parents need to stick to polite and gentle words despite their situations. As a parent, you will be a role model to your kids; therefore, they will mimic your positive or negative behaviors. It is beneficial if you show them kindness and respect to enable them to become kind and respectful to others.

• Don’t interrupt

If the kids are doing other activities, don't interrupt them; if they are playing, they are still doing the most critical work for self-learning.

• Have your requests clear and simple

When you make your requests to the kids, it is essential to stay brief and straightforward even though the kids will not grasp all the information immediately, making it more understandable.

• Offer choices

Planning duties for your kids is crucial. Ask them if they are comfortable with the assigned tasks. Allow them to make their own choices as long as it is positive. Doing so dramatically empowers them, and they feel like they have some control over their lives.

• Offer rewards

Ensure you praise your kids when they display good listening skills to encourage them. Be creative in supporting their listening skills to have a good, effective communication strategy for parents to their kids.

Conclusion

Parenting is a self-instinct situation as it has no proper menu. Everyone should do their level best to maintain communication with their children. However, never compare as each child is unique and special.