How do I get my 2 year old to follow directions?

Here are ways to present information to your children to make it more likely that they’ll hear you, and comply:

1. Be direct.
2. Be close.
3. Use clear and specific commands.
4. Give age-appropriate instructions.
5. Give instructions one at a time.
6. Keep explanations simple.
7. Give kids time to process.

Why does my 2 year old not follow instructions?

Many times toddlers don’t follow directions, and it’s not because they’re being disobedient, stubborn, or lazy. They don’t follow directions because they don’t understand what’s being said. They seem to ignore language because words don’t mean anything to them yet.

What age should a child be able to follow directions?

Babies can begin following simple one-step directions around 10 months and can follow two-step directions by 24 months. When giving instructions, being enthusiastic, using simple language, and giving children time to process can help them develop this skill.

What do you do when your child refuses to follow directions?

Keep your commands and instructions simple — just give one direction at a time — and remember to make eye contact and be in close proximity to your child when giving an instruction. Before walking away, wait for follow through. After she does what you ask, immediately praise her behavior.

Why can’t my child follow instructions?

Another reason kids may struggle to follow directions is that they’re not focused on them. They may get distracted by the smell of dinner cooking or the TV in the background or even by their own thoughts. These things can make it hard for them to “hear” your directions at all.

Should a 2 year old be able to follow commands?

By 2 years old a child should be able to: Follow simple commands (“get the ball”) Enjoy listening to simple stories and songs. Use 150-300 words and begin to put 2 words together. Have speech understood about 50-75\% of the time.

What do you do when your child doesn’t follow directions?

10 tips to help your child follow directions

1. Ask for your child’s attention.
2. Minimize distractions.
3. Speak quietly.
4. Use “wait time.”
5. Check for understanding.
6. Tell, don’t ask.
7. Give instructions one at a time.
8. Number your directions.

Why can’t my child understand instructions?

Many children who can’t follow directions are labeled ADD/ADHD*, and that is a possibility. While ADHD may be a cause of a child’s inability to follow directions, other possibilities should be ruled out first. Poor working memory, poor auditory process, and a hearing deficit are three possible culprits.

At what age does a child begin to show hand preference?

Most children have a preference for using one hand or the other by the age of about 18 months, and are definitely right or left-handed by about the age of three. However, a recent UK study of unborn babies found that handedness might develop in utero.

How do you get your child to listen to directions?

Once you have your child’s attention, you want to keep it. It can be hard for kids to hear and follow directions while they’re playing video games or when the TV is on in the background. Minimize any distractions before giving directions. Turn off the TV. Ask your child to put down the game or book.

How can I teach my child to be a better listener?

Parents often say they need to repeat requests, threaten or raise their voice to get their child to do what they have asked. The good news is that by making a few simple changes in the way you teach your child to listen, he or she can become a better listener. You are the message-sender, the traffic light for your child.

What to do when your child refuses to listen to you?

If your child listened, make sure to offer praise. If he didn’t follow through, enforce your directions with a consequence, such as a loss of privileges. Getting your child to listen doesn’t need to be a struggle. With consistency and practice, your child will be following directions in no time.

How to teach your toddler to follow directions?

But teaching your child how to follow directions is an important lesson. Giving your toddler directions is more than just telling them what to do. Good directions help them learn right from wrong and what you expect from them. Use clear, simple commands. Be short and to the point.