To help your child follow directions, make it easier for them to listen and understand. Try some of these ideas.

Reduce noise and distractions

Noises like the TV, radio, dishwasher, and people talking can make it hard to listen and follow directions. To help:

• Turn off the noise, including the TV.
• Take your child somewhere quieter before you give directions.
• Get on your child’s level, face your child, and stand close.

Signal when it's time to listen

Use simple cues to get your child’s attention:

• Call your child’s name.
• Say, “Time to listen.”
• Give your child a signal, like pointing to your ear.
• Gently touch their shoulder, arm, or back to get their attention.

Make directions easier

Use clear language and gestures to help your child understand:

• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Make sure the important part of the direction is clear. For example, “Bring me your ducky blanket, please.”
• Start by giving 1 direction at a time.
• Use actions and gestures. Actions make language easier to understand. For example, pretend to wash your hands while saying, “Go wash your hands, please.”

If your child still doesn’t understand:

• Try using simpler words or shorter directions.
• Show them what you want them to do.

Give enough time

It can take a bit of time for your child to fully understand what they need to do:

• Wait at least 5 seconds for your child to understand and carry out a direction.
• Wait for your child to finish 1 direction before you give another.
• When 1 direction becomes easy, try putting 2 directions together. For example, “Get your shoes and open the door.”

Teach your child

Teach your child how to help themself understand directions:

• Help your child to repeat the directions to themself.
• Encourage your child to ask when they don’t understand.

Where to get help

To learn how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or visit Pediatric Rehabilitation.​