If your kids are anything like mine, they slam doors just a little too often.
No, they are not teens expressing their displeasure at the rules. They are young kids just going about their life, entering and exiting rooms like normal people.
I've noticed that slamming the door seems to be a way of life. It's not as if they even think about it, they just.... SLAM!
You're probably wondering,
How do I teach my kids to stop slamming the door?
(You might have used some colorful language, but this is a family-friendly blog.)
Practical life lessons like how to close a door without slamming are sometimes lost. I mean in today's world sometimes we parents are focused so much on teaching reading, math and the all important STEM subjects that we miss the little life lessons.
But there is an easy way to get your child to stop slamming the door. Without removing it from its hinges! (You know, so you can get back to teaching them coding or something.)
One day, after gritting my teeth as my son slammed the door for the umpteenth time I decided not to chalk it up to "Oh, he'll learn one day!
I determined a gentle approach to teaching might be in order. After all, no kid really learns anything if we just lecture them into submission.
I stepped into my most enthusiastic voice and exclaimed,
Hey! I just realized I never taught you how to close a door! Watch this!
I showed him how, if he turned the handle before closing the door, it doesn't slam.
Wow!
I added the "wow" for emphasis, making it sound like the coolest thing in the universe. (Yes, I did sort of roll my eyes at myself.)
He was into it, actually, and practiced a few times.
I won't lie to you, I still hear the door slam from time to time, but every now and then I catch him testing out how to close a door silently.
It's amazing how far a peppy attitude will get you.
Need more ideas for helpful household lessons?
Try these 12 practical life activities for kids.
Why yes, my kids do have glass paneled bedroom doors. Its good to know what they are up to. When they want privacy as teens, I'll give it to them.
MamaTea says
You know, I never thought of that. Just a simple "Hey, I never taught you to do that!" might work wonders. Do you think it would help with my 7 and 8 year old running through the house with gobs of mud on their feet while clutching on to a frog or skink or whatever they are currently holding hostage? I'll have to try it. 😉 Cute post!
MaryAnne says
Attitude works wonders!
Dariela says
Hahaha! I love this! It reminds me to have that attitude for many other things with the kids!
maryanne @ mama smiles says
Brilliant! I'll be using this one - thanks, Erica!
Theres Just One Mommy says
LOL. Okay, I guess now that you mention it, I never did show them how to close the door.... Going to try this one!
Aadil Mehmood says
Hi Erica.. My kid is autistic and he slams doors like a 1000 times a day, what to do? started therapy sessions for him but due to some financial issues, we are unable to continue them (hopefully will resume very soon), so can you help me in this regard, any ideas please.
Erica says
Hi, it sounds like you are in a hard situation. I don't have experience helping children with autism learn skills so I can't speak to your situation specifically. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.
Ash says
Hi, I wanted to be helpful and mention there are door slam preventers. I know someone who was going through the same situation as you and she bought some off amazon.