How Do I Talk So My Kids Will Listen?

Starting a book review

I recently observed some poor parenting. The mom wasn’t being patient enough, consistent enough, or clear enough with their child. I heard the mom make excuses for their behavior, noting how difficult the child is instead of realizing how their child might have better behaved if they only improved their approach.

Good thing I’m not like that, I thought. Pride preceded my fall.

Two nights ago my three-year-old son was making some requests that were making my fists clench. It’s bedtime, buddy! C’mon. After walking downstairs I sent a message to his daycare provider saying they should shorten his nap. Then another request came from his room. Awake again. Ugh. I turned to my wife to complain.

In a fortuitous moment, I saw how patient she looked. I remembered how consistent she has been in putting our daughter to bed. And I remembered how I haven’t been setting consistent expectations with my son.

I asked, “do you think I could be doing something better?”

I wanted encouragement more than correction. I got both. And I realized how much of a hypocrite I am and how much I needed to learn.

Thinking About How To Talk So Kids Will Listen

There’s a famous book called How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk. My wife has read it and I think I once watched a YouTube summary of it or something like that, but that’s it. It’s supposedly amazing. So I’m diving in. I need to improve my parenting.

To aid in my own learning, I’ll be writing a post here on Whatever Is Noble for each chapter of the book. I’m writing for me. I learn better when I write. I miss the book report requirements I once had while in school. I’ll share my thoughts here and so you’re welcome to follow along and share your thoughts in the comments too, I’d enjoy that.