10 Soft Parenting Strategies That Work (2 of 5)

Listen to them so they listen to you

Be a mirror, not a megaphone. Lean in, eyes and ears wide open. Ask questions, paraphrase key points, and show you’re grasping their world. This silent respect becomes a currency, traded for their own engaged listening when it’s your turn to share. Remember, true connection flows both ways. 

Always give them two choices

It can often be difficult for children to comply with your decisions. But if you give them two options (either of which is acceptable to you), they will accomplish what you need from them while they are given some control over the decision-making process. For example, you could say, “Bubble bath first or read that last chapter? You call the bedtime shots!” Ultimately, things get done without any fuss!