Remember records? You know, the round ones that you put on a turntable and they spun and made music?
Sometimes they would skip, leaving you to hear the same sound over and over and over again. This led to the term, “broken record.” Did you know you could use this technique effectively with your child? Here is something you can try when your child keeps pesting you for a response.
- When your child keeps asking the same thing over and over, you repeat the same statement to them each time. (Important…keep saying exactly the same statement back to the child after each request is made in the same tone.)
- The child will eventually see the attempt is futile and will stop the request.
Why should I try this at home?
First, you don’t have to raise your voice. You calmly state your response in a short phrase back to the child. Secondly, you are making the child see that he will not wear you down. As a parent, your child needs to know that you have limits and that when you say something, you mean it. This is important. Parents need to follow through with consequences and limits. If you do not do this at home, children will try to push limits with other authority figures such as teachers, aides at school, coaches, or other parents.
First, you don’t have to raise your voice. You calmly state your response in a short phrase back to the child. Secondly, you are making the child see that he will not wear you down. As a parent, your child needs to know that you have limits and that when you say something, you mean it. This is important. Parents need to follow through with consequences and limits. If you do not do this at home, children will try to push limits with other authority figures such as teachers, aides at school, coaches, or other parents.
Actual broken records are a thing of the past; however, your child pesting you for something is probably very current. Try this technique with your child. Hopefully, you will find success. Consequences and limits are important for children to learn and accept for their futures!
