Like us, toddlers are not always able to listen. There are often valid reasons why toddlers don’t attend. Your toddler’s ability to listen can be affected by a variety of factors, including their playing, their inability to understand complex instructions, and the lack of attention from you. Your toddler will be better able to communicate and follow instructions if you teach them to listen well. Follow these simple strategies to improve your toddler’s listening skills. Listening to your child is important.
By reading Aloud, you can improve your child’s listening skills. To get your toddler’s attention, use silly voices or emphasize certain words or phrases. Join your local public library for a constant supply of new and exciting stories. Listen to the story if your toddler has never heard it before. There are also books written specifically to help children learn to listen.
Bring yourself to their level.
Avoid giving your child directions from across the room. Sit or squat at eye-level with your child to get their attention.
Direct and clear
Use words that your toddler can understand. Instead of saying, “It is cold outside, and you have been sick lately; I want you to put on your sweater before we go shopping,” say, “It is time to wear your jumper.” You’ll find that your toddler will be more attentive and understand you better if you use simple language.
Use statements instead of questions if you have to force your child into a car seat. It’s much more effective to say, “It is time to get in your car seat,” than, “Do you wish to climb into your seat right now?”
Give instructions one by one so your toddler does not feel frustrated or overwhelmed if they miss something.
Show a good example.
If you are a good listener yourself, your toddler will learn to listen better. Active listening is something you should do whenever possible. Focusing on your child and what they are saying means focusing all of your attention on them. When they speak to you, make eye contact, don’t interrupt, and repeat what they said. This will help them to know that you understand. Even though it’s hard when they are talking and you’re busy cooking, try not to turn your back.
You may find it difficult to get your family together to talk. Mealtimes This is a great time to do it. You may not be able to do this every evening, but you can try to make Sunday night a day when everyone sits down to eat together. You can purchase a foldaway table if you don’t own one. It will allow your toddler to watch and listen to their family, as well as to talk and listen to them.
Consistency is key
Do not make promises or threats that you will not keep. Don’t change your mind five minutes after telling your child, “You may have water with dinner.” Your toddler will feel safer if you share your rules with any adults in the house and stick to them.
Allow your child to take in the instructions. Say, “Put the cup on the table” to your toddler, and wait a few seconds. You can repeat your instructions calmly and clearly if they do not. You’ll also be showing them how to wait patiently.
Reinforce your message
You can reinforce what you are saying with other signals, particularly if you want to distract your child from an activity that is absorbing. Say, “Time for bed!” Give a physical or visual cue, such as a hand placed on the shoulder of your child.
Warnings
If your child is already involved in a particular activity, let them know when the change will occur. You can also find out more about a friend. It’s not a good idea to give your toddler a 5-minute warning as they are too young for them to understand time. When you are getting ready to leave, say, “When you finish dressing your doll, please put on your coat.”
Realistic instructions
You may find that your child will look around and say, “No Way!”. Give them specific, manageable tasks instead, like “Let’s store the yellow blocks.” You can turn the first task into a fun game once they have completed it. Let’s now put the blue blocks in their place.
Motivate
Your child will soon stop paying attention to you and become accustomed to the yelling. Children love it when adults are silly. Why not use a silly song or voice to convey your message from time to time? You could sing “Now is the time to brush your teeth” and “to the tune of London Bridge Is Falling.
In order to get the job done, emphasize the benefits. Instead of saying, “Brush Your Teeth, or You’ll Get Fillings,” “Brush Your Teeth NOW!” or “Brush Your teeth,” say, “Brush YOUR teeth, and we’ll then read your favorite book.” When they have completed the task, praise them with “Good listening!”. ”
Your toddler will listen to you if you are able to show them affection, good humor, and trust. You’ll show them that you care about them and consider them special. It’s important to do this when you have to be firm. When you deliver straightforward instructions with calm authority and calmness, they are more effective when accompanied by a smile or hug. Your toddler will learn that it is worth paying attention.
