My 7 year old wont listen Am I asking too much from her?

Question

She needs to keep her room organized and take out the garbage everyday but i have to tell her about 10 times before she gets to it. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Well...you'll probably have to say it 400 times and she'll still need reminding. Try setting a time when to do these...like take out the trash right after dinner. It's a time when she's less likely to be in the middle of something. As far as keeping her room clean, if you master that, please tell me how!!!! Perhaps adjusting her schedule so that she has a set 10 minutes before bedtime everynight to strighten. It's unrealistic to think she'll never get it messy or to expect her to have it clean while she's trying to play.

Also, have you talked to her about these jobs and how she feels abotu them and the problem your havign with her not doing them? Kids are very insightful and she might offer a solution that works for you both. Perhaps she really hates taking out the trash...maybe you can trade that chore for another that will help you out...like sweeping the floors, feeding the pets or bringing everyones laundry to the washer and then back to their rooms.

Answer 2

She's 7 years old why are you expecting her to behave like an adult? Yes she should be responsible for her room. If her room is a mess shut the door. If she doesn't take the garbage out have her walk out with you when YOU take it out. Don't nag, don't hit, and above all remember she is only 7 not 27

Answer 3

No, you are not asking too much of her. IN fact you are doing her a favor! Good for you!What seems to work for my children is some sort of reward system.
~Have her make a chart or daily check list of what you require of her each day.Decorate it etc.
~Determine what prizes or $ etc whatever motivates her
~make boxes on the chart to put stickers or make marks in
~ after a certain amount say a week or two's worth of days
~Reward her
~Also, lots of verbal praise make a big deal when she improves
even if it is a little at first
Remember Mom, this is a process. It takes years to teach our children to be grown up responsible people. Hang in there and be patient. They do get it eventually.

Answer 4

I don't think you are asking too much from her, but maybe you should slow it down a little bit. Maybe start her off with taking out the trash 3 times a week and keeping her room clean. Then slowly build it up to taking out trash every day and keeping her room clean.

Answer 5

Tell her to do something once and if she doesn't do it start with the consequences. All children are different but I'm willing to bet when you start being firm and standing by punishment - whether it's taking away something she really wants or making her sit until she decides that the very next thing she does is what you asked, you will start getting things done.

Answer 6

At her age she does need to be reminded probably a few times a day or she won't remember to do it. In the morning remind her, then when she gets home from school remind her. Don't stay on her every few minutes - just enforce consequences for the chores not being done. It's not that difficult - be the parent.

Answer 7

My boys are almost 7 and 8 and need reminding every day. BUT.....while they used to argue every single time......they dont' now.

Before he does anything........play, turn on the TV, go outside, his chores have to be done. Simple. "You can do what you want after you do what I want." He also has additional chores that arent' every day......he hangs up his clean laundry and folds and puts it away. He sometimes has to feed the cat. Each night when we have dinner, they have to help clear the table. You are not asking too much......I think perhaps you should give her more responsibility actually. She's capable. You have to stand firm too.......do not give in until all those things are done to your liking.....then they are free to do kids' stuff.

Answer 8

What used to work with my son, who is now too old for this, is everytime you go ignored it's an automatic deduction off the lateness rule. For example, everytime you have to repeat yourself, you take 15 off the time they go to bed. If the bedtime is at 9pm then its 8.45, 8.30 and so on....worked with all sorts of things. Not finishing dinner, not cleaning the bedroom, talking back. Try it! It's kind of fun.

Answer 9

Kids this age do need reminding.
Instead of nagging her about each thing she needs to do, make a list and post it in her room or on the fridge or something. Then you can just remind her to "do your list" and see how she does. She may enjoy having a little more independence about doing it on her own instead of you reminding her of each little thing.

Answer 10

I know sometimes they need gentle reminders, but if it feels as though it's becoming an excuse (my son still does this occassionally), then deduct minutes from tv time, relaxing time, computer time, or add to bedtime. They will usually very quickly start to remember!