How do I handle the feeling of being ignored after repeating myself three or four times? 

Parenting Perspective 

Understanding Why Children Do Not Listen 

It can be frustrating to be ignored after repeatedly saying the same thing, as if your voice has disappeared in your own house. However, what can appear to be wilful disobedience is frequently the result of something else entirely, such as a child’s learnt tendency to tune out repetition, preoccupation, or a lack of executive function. Adults and children perceive auditory information differently. Their brain might not perceive your statements as urgent if they are preoccupied with playing. 

A New Approach: Presence and Action 

Instead of repeating the same instruction from across the room, shift the approach. Before you speak, approach them, state their name, and make eye contact. Keep it short and firm: It is time to put the shoes on now. If ignored, take action, but do it calmly and without anger. For instance, you can easily and calmly carry them to the car if they put off putting on their shoes. This demonstrates that what you say matters and that action follows. 

The Goal: Effective Communication 

Steer clear of pointless repetition. It trains children to wait for escalation rather than to respond early. You are teaching more than simply obedience; you are teaching how communication works, which is that when you are present and follow through consistently, once is enough. 

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Spiritual Insight 

Being ignored is one of the hardest human experiences, and yet, we are reminded that Allah Almighty never ignores our calls. He says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ghaafir (40), Verse 60: 

“…Pray to me and I will respond to you….” 

If our Creator listens, how can we not strive to create a culture of listening within our homes? At the same time, it is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 3653, the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whenever he talked, he repeated it three time, but never in frustration, only with presence. Intention, not volume, made the difference. Slow down, approach, and speak once while being present. And have faith that your child learns to listen from your consistency, not from your volume. 

Click below to discover meaningful books that nurture strong values in your child and support you on your parenting journey: