When I’m working with parents of teens or toddlers I hear the same thing over and over again. “My Kids Just Don’t Listen!”

I feel your pain. I’ve got two kids of my own. One of them only seems to hear the “Da-da-da – Da-da-da” of his ESPN Sports Center app.

A few weeks ago I got an e-mail from a client, a father of a 14 year old boy. His son didn’t listen and it had become a chronic problem, especially in the mornings.

He wouldn’t get out of bed for school, even after Dad had warned him over and over again. The warnings and reminders were never-ending. Get your shoes! Don’t forget your lunch! Get in the car!

Until Dad had enough. He just couldn’t get his son out of bed, so he pulled out the plans we had put together and decided that today was the day. He left the house without his son.

He drove to work enjoying his own music. Even put the windows down and smiled at other drivers.

But Dad was worried. What would happen when his son realized that he didn’t have a ride to school.

His son wasn’t worried at all, he couldn’t believe his luck! He didn’t think that Dad would follow through with consequences. He enjoyed his day off, caught up on Sports Center and practiced his video gaming skills for hours.

But Dad had a plan in place. When he arrived home from he was pretty empathetic. He was sad that his son couldn’t participate in any activities outside of the classroom until all of his make up work was completed, turned in and entered into Power School.

Additionally, Dad was pretty broken up that his son had a list of chores to complete as well. Dad handed him the list gently and told him to complete the tasks and that the same list would be available should he choose not to get out of bed and miss school again.

How did it END? The son asked Dad if they could order a better alarm clock. And now he actually uses it. That first week went really well. No hassles in the morning at all. Dad didn’t give any warnings or reminders.

But it wasn’t long before things started to slip. So Dad, being a smart father, placed the Chore List on top of his son’s new alarm clock. And that was a lot simpler than warning, reminding and cajoling a 14 year old boy!

Would YOU like to learn how to get your child to listen the first time?

I’ve put together an online parenting course designed to fit easily into your life and give you the confidence you need to start setting limits in a loving way. This course provides you with group learning AND private sessions with me. It’s all online so it’s easy-peasy to connect, no matter where you are.

• You KNOW you want these skills at home!
• You KNOW you want to have a solid plan!
• You KNOW you want to make parenting easier!

You can even imagine how great it would be to have a more peaceful home!

I’d love to start a conversation with you to see how I can support you and your family. Just e-mail me and we’ll schedule a time to chat.

What are YOU waiting for?

Happy parenting,
Wendy Petricoff