What’s so hard about following directions? Sometimes it’s because there are so many distractions around. There’s no easy solution, but there are ways to make it easier. Try these:
- Get your child’s attention before giving directions by saying your child’s name, standing near to them. Get their attention by announcing (maybe vaguely) what is going to happen. You can say, “We’re going to the park! Now, look at me!
- When they are looking at you, put your directions in short, simple sentences, with an “outline” of what to expect, e.g., “There are 3 things we have to do before we can go. How many things?”
Wait for them to answer, “Three!” - Continue with, “Number 1: Put on your shoes and get a hat. Number 2: Get 2 toys to take to the park. Number 3: Wait for me by the door after you have these things.”
- Ask them to repeat the directions: “Okay, gang, what’s the first thing to do?” (Wait for the answer.) “What’s the second thing? (Wait for the answer.) What’s the third thing? (Wait for the answer). You may have to prompt them with the answers, and you may have to start with just one direction at a time, and, yes, it’s probably easier to do some of these things yourself—but that defeats the purpose of building listening skills!
The bottom line, though is this: - Get their attention.
- Keep it simple, in 1-2-3 steps (or fewer).
- Have your child/children repeat your directions back to you.
Give it a try! Can’t hurt. Might help!