In this video Camilla McGill addresses a common parenting dilemma: children who run off and refuse to follow instructions. She first describes the typical parental emotions—powerlessness, frustration, embarrassment, anger—and then explains why children behave this way, citing their egocentric focus, differing priorities, impulsivity, and sensitivity to tone. McGill offers five actionable tips: (1) time instructions carefully, especially avoiding commands while the child is distracted by screens or deep play; (2) use a calm, respectful tone that the parent would like to hear; (3) choose clear, assertive, concise language and avoid nagging; (4) prioritize emotional connection and love before issuing directives; and (5) when a child runs off, try standing and waiting instead of chasing, removing the thrill of the chase. She acknowledges the tips aren’t a cure‑all but can markedly improve outcomes, and she promotes a companion booklet and a limited‑time offer, inviting viewers to email her with feedback.
Chapters
Here's a question that I get asked all the time: What do I do when my child just won't listen and they're particularly difficult when they run off just as you've asked them to do something? So here's how we feel when that happens. We feel powerless, we feel frustrated, sometimes we feel embarrassed if it's in public, and also we feel angry. And here is what's going on for children. Children are egotistical. They don't want to do what they want— we want them to do. They want to do what they want to do. That's normal. They also have different priorities. They, again, they want to do what they want to do, not what we want to do. It can be a bit of a sport, like a cat and mouse chase, and they've sort of got you hooked in if they've run off and you've run after them. They are impulsive. They don't stop to think, and they don't often like what we say and how we say it. So here are 5 really helpful tips. Think about how you're timing the instructions. Are you asking them to do something where they're— when they're distracted, particularly if it's while they're watching a screen? The screen's got to go off first. Are they having fun? Are they right in the middle of being absorbed by something? So think about when you're timing your instruction and be very aware of the tone of voice that you're using. Ask yourself, am I using the tone of voice that I would like to listen to? And if you're not, then you need to adjust it. Also be mindful of the words that you're using. Accompanied by that tone of voice? Am I being clear and assertive or am I criticising and nagging? So just think about the words you want to do. Also, are you using too many words? That can be an issue. Also focus on the connection that you have with your child first. Now there's many different ways to connect with your children and I can't go into them now but just think about 'Am I focusing on the connection and that feeling of love and connectivity between you and your child?' If they do run off, test out standing and waiting rather than running after them, because quite often when they don't get the thrill of the chase, they actually come back to you. Try it out, see what happens. Now I'm really aware that these tips don't solve everything, but they can make a huge difference to what happens. Now have a look below because I have a great booklet that goes with this, and I have also this week, I have a great offer. So check it out and ping me back an email and tell me how you're doing.
