When will they start to listen to directions?

I know that this may seem like a silly question...BUT...when will they start listening to directions? I feel like I say the same things over and over again. Sit down, no touch, no hitting, etc. I feel like I am yelling at them all the time. I try to balance things out by praising their good behaviors..but I just wish they would start to listen to at least half of my requests.

Suggestions? I would appreciate any help or advice.

 

I feel your pain. I'd love to know the answer as well.

I have been on occasion able to get them to bring me something, and they know "get out of there," but don't often listen.

 

I am right there with you! Mine are hit or miss with directions, sometimes they listen well and other times, I get the sly little smile and they go right back to doing what I am telling them not to do. I just try to be consistent and pray that eventually they will get it and listen.

 

Jackson very rarely obeys me, even now. Jacob does sometimes, but it's only because he was wired to be obedient - he doesn't really WANT to do it, he just can't resist the praise (unlike his strong-willed twin!). I feel your pain. Today was a tough one for us!

 

I used to feel like a broken record and kept wondering why I even bothered to talk because absolutely no one was listening. For the last month or so though mine are doing pretty well with directions.

For things like sit down we have consequences. For example there is no standing in the tub. They LOVE baths. If they forget and stand up I ask them to sit once. If they don't do it immediately bathtime is over.

As for no hitting we do timeouts or redirection. They hate time outs and just the threat of one will have them saying "noooooo" and hugging. And instead of saying don't hit your brother 5 times in a minute I tell them once and then ask them to do something else - get me the blue ball, find the book, anything to get them doing something else. Normally after they have done whatever it is they have forgotten all about beating their sibling.

They are also good at obeying things like Stop, too far come back, stay on the sidewalk, bring me XYZ, putting up their clothes, shoes, and toys, hold my hand, stay with mommy, and sit down.

We are however failing miserably at the no screaming/shrieking/making loud noises. They understand that I don't want them to do it, but they do it anyways, and then egg each other on to see who can be louder. We are trying the ignore or redirect route with it, but it still drives me crazy. We also haven't found a good way to deter climbing on things. They will generally get down when asked, but that doesn't really stop them from climbing on something else in no time at all.