3 super effective steps to stop your kid from nagging

Nagging is a behaviour that children of any age can pick up. Children start it to ask for a favour from a parent, and if it’s granted, they pick it up as a successful method to get what they want.  

Sounds familiar? Does your 8-year-old constantly ask you for the mobile and finish the data balance by playing games? And do you relent because he keeps whining for it all the time? Or does your 15-year-old girl insist on buying just one more pair of shoes, though you know she has a shoe rack full of them? You know it’s not right, but she somehow sweet talks you into it. Here are is a 3 step refusal plan for parents with nagging kids. Test it out.  

Step 1: The question-answer approach 
When your child comes up for perhaps the ninth time to ask for more chocolate, you need to pose a question in return. Ask him whether he has asked this before. The answer will be ‘yes’. Next, ask him what your response was the last time. He will have to admit it was in the negative. That’s your queue. Tell him the response is not going to change just because he is asking again. This applies to boys and girls, all ages, and for anything that you know is just not right for your child. Do not use this method to turn down a reasonable demand. If you are unable to get it due to fund crunch or because you are too busy, explain the situation to your child.  

Step 2: Be consistent and clear, but not rude  
Your child has decided she will download one more game. She knows you will not allow it. You have already used the first step successfully. So when she comes up with the same demand again, or, tries to do it on the sly, be firm. Once you relent, you will set a bad example. As parent, you must be clear, but not rude. Kids translate a shouting match as a reaction by a hassled parent.  

Step 3: Be a parent team  
Make sure your spouse agrees and sides with you. Once kids realise they are up against two, they don’t try to win over one parent stealthily. It will help you bond better, and will set a good example for kids that they will remember.