Early Childhood News

(Pre-Kindy to Year 2)

Why Little Ears Can Find It Difficult to Listen

Listening can be a challenging skill for young children to master. Believe us, they don’t always listen to us at school either. Kids are naturally curious and easily distracted. Their brains are still developing, which affects their ability to focus and process instructions. They are also learning to assert their independence, often leading to resistance when asked to follow directions. Here are some ways we can all try to get our little people to listen to our instructions! 

One of the main reasons young children don’t listen is the approach adults take. Using a calm and positive tone can make a big difference.  Giving clear, concise instructions helps toddlers understand what is expected of them. Complex sentences can confuse toddlers, so breaking down tasks into simple steps is more effective. Telling them what you want them to do, “walk” instead of what you don’t want them to do, “don’t run!” can also make it easier for them to process the instruction and you may have more success.

Getting down to the child’s eye level and making eye contact can help ensure they are paying attention. Touching their shoulder gently before speaking can also bring them back to the real world if they are in a world of make-believe.  This physical engagement also helps them feel more connected and understood.

Interested in learning more? The recent Podcast episode, How to Get Your Kids to Listen on the Podcast, How to Build a Human explains in more detail the cognitive reasons why little people find it so hard to listen.