Get Kids to Listen & Follow Part 4: Using the KISS Method
From the archive. This post was first published on the original Green Eggs and Moms blog and is kept here as it was.
The KISS Method is effective in getting your child to follow.
Did you ever consider that YOU may be the reason that your child doesn’t follow?
Before you raise your eye brows and close this window, allow me explain.
As you’ve seen in parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series, when it comes to getting kids to listen and follow, it’s all about ONE thing:
The delivery.
Period.
Sure, you can skip reading this post–and the entire series for that matter–then resort to good ole’ raising your voice.
That will work. But who wants to be upset all the time? It’s tiring.
If you can say something in a better manner, why not opt for that instead? Now that I’ve convinced you, your next question may be:
How will the KISS Method get kids to listen?
KISS, if you haven’t guessed yet, means: Keep It Simple and Short. (Yeah, I changed it a bit.)
So, remember my question above? What if the reason you’re child doesn’t follow is because when you give instructions, you end up giving a litany?
Example: Please try to remember, Justin, that when you are done playing with your toys, you must put them back in the box.
This may work a few times, especially since you are explaining what needs to be done. But with children’s short attention spans, your lengthy instructions won’t cut it.
The solution?
Say this instead: After play, pack away!
Not only is the phrase catchy (Thank you, very much!), but it’s also a simplified version of the original set of instructions.
And because it’s simple, it has a higher chance of being absorb by the little ones. I know this because I’ve been doing this for a while now.
Here are other examples:
We can do away with the word that comes after “simple” The point is, keeping instructions simple and short allow your kids to remember what you tell them.
Example 1:
Original: If you’d only focus on answering your work sheet, you’d finish much faster.
KISS: Whey you focus, you’re fast.
Example 2:
Original: After eating, you have to brush your teeth to keep cavities away.
KISS: After you eat, brush your teeth.
Example 3:
Original: Saying the word “please” is polite, so remember to do that.
KISS: Please is polite.
* The underlined words are what you want your child to remember when you use KISS phrases.
Wait! Before using this method…
Use the original version to explain why your child has to do certain things. But after that, use the KISS version, which is sort of like a FUN mantra, to increase the chances of your little one to listen and follow what you say.
It also helps to say the KISS phrases in a sing-songy manner so your child can sing along with you. If you’ve been following this entire series, then you’re aware of music’s role in getting kids to follow. (To read more about this, click here.)
You may sound silly–and you definitely won’t earn points from your old English teacher–but for now, the KISS method can help you subtly manipulate the kiddos. (Cue in sinister laugh.)
So, what do you think this catchy way of giving instructions? Think it will work on your child? I’d love to know what’s on your mind so leave a comment below.
Photos: Image 1, Image 2