How to Get Your Kids to Listen (So You Don't Have to Yell)

Hey Solo Dad,

Last week, we talked about the power of the 15-minute rule, and I loved hearing about all of your small wins. Keep that momentum going.

This week, let's tackle a common frustration: getting your kids to listen the first time you ask. Instead of repeating yourself until you're drained, let's try a different approach.

1 Actionable Strategy: The "Close the Distance" Rule

When you need your child to do something like clean their room, set the table, or finish their homework—how do you usually ask? From the other side of the house? While you’re on a call?

The problem is, they hear the sound of your voice, but they don't process the words. It's just background noise.

The solution is to physically close the distance. Here’s how:

1. Stop what you're doing.

2. Walk to where your child is.

3. Get down on their level and gently get their attention (a tap on the shoulder or eye contact).

4. Wait for them to look at you. State your request clearly and calmly.

This simple act communicates that this request is important and requires their full attention. It might take an extra 30 seconds, but it saves you minutes (or hours) of repeating yourself and the frustration that comes with it. It’s a small shift that changes the dynamic from a shouted command to a calm connection.

1 Mindset Shift: Raising an Adult, Not Just a Child

Being a solo dad means you're often stretched thin. It's easy to fall into the trap of just doing everything for your kids to save time and energy. But that's a short-term fix with long-term consequences.

You're not just raising a child; you're raising an adult. Your job is to equip them with the skills to be responsible, capable human beings. So, the next time you’re tempted to just do it yourself, take a breath. Ask them to help. Even if it's slower or messier, it's an investment in their future—and in a less stressful one for you.

1 Recommended Resource: The "Lazy Genius" Podcast

One of the biggest challenges for solo dads is finding the time to cook healthy meals. I recently discovered a podcast called "The Lazy Genius" by Kendra Adachi. While it's not specifically for dads, her principle of "deciding once" has been a game-changer for my meal planning and so many other things. It's all about making a decision once so you don't have to keep making it over and over. You can find it on any podcast platform.

Cheers to the journey,

Todd