logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
11m 56s

Why Don’t My Kids Listen?

MICHELLE KENNEY, M. ED
About this episode
tail spinning
Up next
Nov 10
Kids Don’t Do What You Say. They Do What You Do
This is the most uncomfortable topic in parenting, because it shifts the pressure off our kids and onto us. We tell them to calm down while we’re losing it. We ask for respect in a disrespectful tone. We rush them out the door and then wonder why they aren’t patient. And when it ... Show More
21m 48s
Nov 3
Your Kid Doesn't Need To Be Rushed
When was the last time your child got to just be? Not on the way to something. Not being moved along to the next thing. Not being asked to hurry up, finish up, or catch up. Just being, at their own pace. If you had to think hard about that, you are not a bad parent. You are livin ... Show More
21m 2s
Oct 20
Could You Coach Other Parents?
A lot of parents come to this work to change their own homes, and then something quieter starts to grow. A pull. A sense that maybe this isn’t just for your family. That maybe you’re meant to help other parents find what you found. If you’ve felt even a flicker of that, this epis ... Show More
14m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2025
When Kids Reject Your Help & Refuse To Listen to You #529
You try to help your kids do something they are struggling with, something they say they care about. But they won’t listen to you, even though it would be so much easier if they did! It turns into a huge fight and you’re left feeling angry and resentful. I want to give you script ... Show More
21m 41s
Jun 2022
Dealing with Disrespectful Teens
<p>In this episode, I answer the following parent question: Nothing we do makes our daughter happy. Why can’t she just accept a comment, advice, suggestion without complaining and pushing back? How can I make her listen and accept what she is being told without an argument? </p> ... Show More
12m 3s
Jul 2021
S02|10 - How to Get Your Kids to Listen
We often think that the only way to get our kids to listen is to use threats, bribes or punishments. Those actually decrease natural obedience over time. There is another way to do it, tune in to find out how. Yelling, threats and bribes really do seem to work in a pinch- kids ty ... Show More
16m 39s
May 2024
Parent Q & A: 3 Year-Old Refusing to Greet & Dealing with LOTS of Hitting
Kids will refuse to do all kinds of things we ask of them, greeting others is only one of many! How do we first get to the reason and then guide based on both their feelings and level of comfort and our expectations for politeness or independence (depending on the situation?) Hav ... Show More
22m 22s
Mar 2023
Toddler Not Listening? Do This!
Getting little ones to listen can drive parents to their wits' end! However, there are productive, practical, and pleasant ways of persuading kids to play along without bribing or bullying them.Motivating your toddler to listen can be extremely frustrating, especially when you ha ... Show More
13m 34s
May 2024
213: How to stop using power over your child (and still get things done)
Ditch Punishments and Rewards for Respectful Parenting Do you hate punishing (with Time Outs, withdrawing privileges, or even yelling at) your child? Do you feel guilty after you punish them, wishing there was a way to just get them to listen? And do bribes ("If you brush your te ... Show More
1h 2m
Apr 2019
Chores, Fortnite, Authority, Respect. Kids Who Give Up When It’s Difficult
Do you agree or disagree with Kirk’s shocking advice for handling a child who yells at his Mom and defies her authority? Learn why some kids shut down and aren’t motivated. What do you do when one child takes all of your energy and attention? How do you help kids who give up when ... Show More
23m 39s
May 2022
155: How to get your child to listen to you
Recently someone posted a question in one of my communities: “Is it really so wrong to want my child to just LISTEN to me sometimes? It seems like such a no-no in gentle parenting circles, and I’m worried that my child is growing up to be entitled and won’t know how to respect au ... Show More
48m 45s