The easiest way would be to tie them down, put duct tape across their mouths and lay them in a room void of all distraction. However, in most states, I'm pretty sure that's illegal so we'll just stick to reality. The reality is children will not listen to anyone or anything all of the time. They don't have the attention span. I think the real question being asked is "how do I get my children to do what I tell them to do?". And the answer to that is patience, respect, and more patience. Depending on the ages of the children, there are different ways to communicate your instructions and have them do what you ask, and (reasonably) willingly. Younger children are born helpers. They can't wait to be allowed to do something the "big kids" do, so take advantage of that. When Jr. is acting out, remind him that big boys don't act that way and only big boys are going to get a certain treat later on. But this is also the time to start developing the foundation of your communication with them. Always remember to tell them thank you for the littlest things and remind them to say it. Always try to set an appropriate consequence if what you want done doesn't get done, but don't beat them over the head with it. The next day, ask the child to do the same thing. If they still resist, remind them of the previous consequence and add another for a second offense (remember, punishments should be in keeping witht he age of the child). Try really hard to make your kids understand that what you say is the primary guide to their behavior and not doing what you say is disrespectful and that is not allowed in your home. And don't be afraid to remind them of all of the things you do for them that you don't have to (sometimes). It will help make them aware of other people's feelings. But that respect must go both ways. Older kids may be a little more obstinate, especially if the foundation hasn't already been set. However, since they are older, it is a bit easier to verbally communicate your expectations. The key here is to make sure that the communication goes both ways. If your child balks at a request, take the time to find out why and be willing to make compromises, if possible. Nothing shuts a kid down faster than feeling like his/her ideas and emotions don't matter. If you have to put your foot down, do so. But acknowledge that you understand the reasons they may not want to do it, but you need them to do it anyway.

My final piece of advice is this: Think about the title of this article and ask yourself if you really want kids that do everything they are told all of the time? We must remember that our kids are gifts, not property, and when they go out in the real world we won't be there to tell them what to do. They have to learn to properly question and doubt so that they don't blindly follow others later on and what better place for them to learn how to do that than at home.