How Parents Can Encourage Their Children to Cooperate

[FamTimes reporter Jennylyn Gianan]

A child's stubbornness can leave parents feeling frustrated. When children refuse to cooperate or ignore what their parents say, the struggle can feel very real.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Victoria Samuel offered advice for parents seeking to improve communication with their children.

Dr. Samuel said parents should make sure they are truly listening to their children before expecting their children to listen to them.

Listening to children shows respect for their feelings, gives them time to identify problems, and often helps them find solutions. When parents listen to their children, their children are also more likely to listen to them.

Give your child your full attention. This means immediately stopping what you are doing, making eye contact, and talking and listening.

Parents should acknowledge what their child is saying with appropriate responses such as “Mm-hmm,” “I understand,” “Oh,” and “I see.”

To get children to listen, parents should first consider how they communicate with them. A parent's tone of voice can affect a child's journey to and from school, so parents should encourage their children and use a positive tone whenever possible.

When asking something of your child, make the request clear and concise. Finally, when you see your child improving, praise them enthusiastically with a few warm words.

Jennylyn Gianan fam1@pcss.co.kr