One of the biggest sources of frustration for parents is their kids’ selective hearing. Parents get very upset when their child blatantly disregards their requests, is defiant and stubbornly sticks to his or her wishes unconcerned about your approval. Here are some tips that can make your child cooperate with you and help you improve communication skills.

 Lead By Example

Your child has learned to be demanding and defiant and you have been unconsciously teaching them to be inflexible. Many parents think asking nicely or inviting kids to do something makes them more defiant and disobedient. This is all just a parenting myth. Parents who invite their kids to do things are actually laying the foundation of trust and teamwork. It will help in the future when they work with other people and rely on them.

Demanding them to listen to you is okay sometimes when your child’s safety is concerned but the more you order your kid to do something, the less internally motivated him or she is. Before you start inviting your kids to do things, learn to accept ‘no’ as an answer. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have expectations of your kids. But you have to see that when those expectations aren’t met, you can solve the problem together rather than punishing them into submission.

Make Things Fun

Kids love to play and you can use this to your benefit. When they refuse to leave the car, you can, let’s say, pretend you are firefighters and you have to get to the fire truck to put out a fire. They will surely play along. It does require a bit of creativity and spontaneity on your part but it’s worth it. You sure are not only going to get your kid to cooperate with you but also enjoy yourself when you are with them.

Stop Repeating Yourself

This is a huge mistake that many parents make. Repeating thing doesn’t work especially if you’re getting your kid to cooperate with you. It will only teach your child to be more defiant and keep on listening until you get frustrated and punish them.

Be Forgetful

Pretend to be forgetful. When you have asked them to do something and they are not cooperating, pretend you have forgotten and ask your child to repeat it for you. Children love to be smarter and more capable than adults. It only gives them an opportunity to be the smarter ones.