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Questions & Answers - Behavior Concerns
My 4 year old daughter likes to ignore my husband and me when we
talk to her or ask her with help in a specific task. What do we need to
change to try and stop this behavior?
There is an excellent article already written on this topic
called "How
to get your Preschoolers to Listen & Respect You".
The author's bottom line is that you are the parent, and if you
want your child to do something than you need to calmly direct your
child to follow through or else use appropriate consequences so she
learns that you are serious and will not give in or bribe her in
order to get the results you desire.
By preschool age you can also use incentives for
listening and positive behaviors by making a chart & using stickers.
For example if you want your daughter to pick up her toys before
bedtime, write that as a chore on her chart, if she does it without
complaint 7 days per week you can reward her with something small at
the end of the week. You may also choose to take away special
privileges for not complying with rules or for not listening. For
example, if you have planned to go to the park and your daughter is
not listening or following through with your directives than she
stays home from the park as a consequence for not listening.
Remember, preschoolers will assert their independence and test
your rules and limits; however, it is up to you to stick to your
guns and calmly, but firmly teach them about listening or help them
to learn the consequences for not listening. You can find more
information on positive reinforcement and behavior on our
Early Intervention Support website.
Back to: Therapist
Questions & Answers - Behavior Concerns
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