Do you feel like you are constantly nagging at and pestering your kids? Our Child Psychologist Expert Dr Deirdre Brander tells us why this nagging doesn't work and what you need to do instead to get your children to listen to you.
Why nagging doesn't work
No one likes to feel controlled
Being nagged feels like you’re being manipulated.
Pressuring someone can lead to defiance
When you repeatedly say the same things, it sends a message that you don’t believe they can complete the task.
Children tune out to nagging
It trains children to tune us out because they assume we will continuously say the same thing or something negative.
Nagging leads to resistance
It is human instinct to dig your heels in when you feel someone is constantly pressuring you.
Nagging causes resentment
Resentment can easily tear down relationships. So remember this the next time you feel the urge to nag your child.
We often go from pleading to threatening without getting any change
Instead, state the rules clearly and give consequences. This gives your child some control because, in effect, you’re saying, “It’s up to you.”
How to get your children to listen
Involve children in solving the problem
Look for alternative ways to get things done
Try and understand the issue from their perspective
Pay attention to what is triggering you to nag.
This article was written by our Child Psychologist Expert Dr Deirdre Brander.
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