Life is pretty busy these days.   More often than we’d like, we find ourselves shouting out instructions to our kids in between items on our own task lists.  And most of the time we end up repeating those instructions moments later.  Here are a few fun ways to help your child hear your message the first time:

1. Whisper.    You’ll be surprised how hard they’ll try to hear you!

2. Toss a ball or soft toy.   Be sure to say your child’s name first, so she’s ready to react.  If he’s likely to tune out again right away, keep tossing the toy back and forth as you talk.

3. Be silly.   There are so many fun ways to do this.  Hop into the room on one foot, walk backwards, or strike a pose.   Try out your best dance moves.   Wear that jacket you need her to hang up on your head.   We’d love to see your silly moves in the comments!

4. Create a challenge.   Write down your message on post it notes and read it in a scrambled order or backwards.   Say it in another language (pig latin counts).   Need him to get up and move?  Put the words in different rooms and send him on a scavenger hunt.

5. Text.  If his eyes are glued to his phone, text your message or initiate a video chat.  This one works best if it’s surprising.  Be careful not to overuse it, and if you want to use it regularly have a plan in place that specifies what will happen if your tween or teen ignores Mom’s chat request.

Want more?  See our other posts on the Parenting and Communication.