Welcome and thanks for signing up for my blog, “What would Ms. Marinos say?”. It truly does take a village to navigate this parenting gig! My hope is that you all find some fun and calmer piece of mind while reading these blogs, and strength in the knowledge that we are all fabulous parents!

This month I picked the topic “How to get your child to listen the first time!” to share with you.

I don’t know about you, but I find it fascinating how quickly children tune us out…

• waiting for the last second before complying to our request
• exhausting the countdown 1, 2, 2 ½, 3…
• seemingly unable to hear our voice until it reaches just the perfect pitch and volume
• or, simply not moving until we give them the ultimate threat, “I mean it!”

All of these scenarios are incredibly frustrating as a parent and confusing for us. We cannot fathom why our children won’t just listen the first time!

Well, luckily, I have a super simple solution…Just don’t give them a second time!

I know, I know… easier said than done! It truly is the most basic of concepts but in execution, tougher to carry out effectively.

When your child does not comply, here is what to do:

Quite simply, whenever a child does not listen to a request, first give them a dose of empathy – a mantra if you will – “Oh shoot”, “What a bummer”, “Ooooh, so sorry”, or whatever feels natural to you as a way to show that you care about them. Please be sure that this mantra can be said with true sincerity and empathy. Then, follow it up with an immediate consequence – one that naturally fits with the situation at hand. No warnings, no second chances, and no earn backs!

Example, you ask your child to stop using their tech device and come to dinner – either in a certain time frame or right away – they do not comply with that request in the time given, you say your mantra and then take the device away, immediately. No regrets, no discussion, just action accompanied and proceeded by sincere empathy.

Thanks for reading. Next week I will discuss “How to put an end to arguing!”.

And that’s what Ms. Marinos says!

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