When Kids Don't Listen

When your kids don't listen to you, don't take it personally. Instead of getting frustrated, think about what your child is trying to tell you.

Kids aren’t actively trying to disobey you. They are trying to figure out how to express their needs, wants and desires. Kids and adults have a different language. If you change your own perspective, it really helps shift your mindset when your child doesn’t listen or says no. When you find yourself getting frustrated or mad, stop and ask yourself -- what’s going on with my child right now?

For example: I'm pregnant and at the moment I’m feeling very nauseated. I'm lucky to have my nanny here to help, but my kids still haven’t gotten the quality time they need/are used to with me. Today my 7 year old son snuck into my 2 year old's crib while she was attempting quiet time. He brought freeze-dried bananas into her room and proceeded to eat them with her in the crib. When I felt myself getting frustrated I asked myself what might be going on with him.
1) I’m feeling sick and haven't been around as much as usual
2) He thought he was helping. He sees me get into bed with him when he’s struggling to fall asleep.

Here’s a checklist of things to think about before you get frustrated with your child’s behavior:
✅Is he/she hungry?
✅ Is he/she tired?
✅ Is something frustrating happening at camp/school?
✅ Has he/she not had their cup filled with quality time with you? (Remember, every child’s cup is different)
✅ Does he/she have a fear of missing out? (This often happens at nighttime)
✅ Did you just come back from a trip? Have visiting relatives just left?

Think of any changes (big or small) that could have happened in your child's life.