You told them. Then you told them again. You explained it. You reiterated it. You asked them to do something, you showed them how to do it, then you reminded them to do it.

And if you want it to get done, well, you’re probably going to need to tell your kids a couple more times.

Because they didn’t understand. It’s just not how their brain works. It’s just not the level they’re on. The first three times they didn’t hear. The fourth time they were kind of listening. The fifth time, they realized they didn’t actually get what you meant. The sixth time…whatever.

They just didn’t understand, ok? They didn’t get that you meant right now. Or that you were talking to them and not their brother. Or what time it was. Or that they would have to stop doing the thing they were doing first.

They didn’t understand you? They don’t even know what’s happening in their own body! Of course they’re confused. Of course they’re slow. Welcome to being a kid. Welcome to being easily distracted. It’s part of their age, part of the stage of development they’re in. They’re not doing it to annoy you. They really just don’t understand. So you need to understand that—and then parent accordingly.