The truth is that kids don’t listen to their parents because they know that they don’t have to!  We often repeat ourselves five times, as if our child didn’t “hear” us the first time?  Children are smart and know from past experience that if a parent asks more than once or twice for a child to do something, chances are they can wait because their parents will ask them several more times before they start yelling.

So instead of asking your child over and over again, why not try a new approach.  When asking your child to do something:

Phrase it as a request, not a question!
I need you to get ready for bed, instead of:  Would you like to get ready for bed?

Use a lot of encouragement when making requests
I need you to set the table and I know you can do it in less than 5 minutes!

Give notice ahead of time
In 5 minutes, you need to turn off the TV

Be consistent and follow through

Praise and reward your child when they listen
I like the way you got ready for bed without me telling you several times
Because you got ready for bed so quickly, we’ll read an extra story

I’ve worked with many families who share the same frustrations that you do.  They are always amazed at how quickly they are able to turn their child’s behavior around by following some simple strategies.  Although change is hard and takes effort on your part as a parent, remind yourself that it takes a lot more effort to ask your child to do something and repeat your request over and over again.