How to Get Your Toddler to Listen

Toddlers, like adults, don’t always listen. But unlike adults, they actually rely on you to teach them how to pay attention. Many parents repeat themselves over and over again, only to find the child simply ignoring them until it is time for punishment.

In actuality, your child is getting your attention when she doesn’t listen to you. Nagging isn’t exactly the kind of attention they want, but it’s what they will settle for, for now. Listening is a valuable lifelong skill to have, and teaching your child this, requires both patience and diligence.

Here are some strategies you can adopt:

• Read to her: Your child is already attuned to your voice. Reading to her in interesting ways (such as using different voices for emphasis) can help maintain her attention.
• Meet her at her level: To her, you are really, really tall. Lower your physique to her eye level and you will find her more inclined to listen.
• Eat together: Find time for the whole family to share a meal. During this interaction, allow her to listen in and participate.
• Give advance notice: Instead of blowing your top at the first instance of disobedience, warn her in advance if you expect a change or are about to deliver a punishment.
• Be firm and follow through: If you give warning or nag without reinforcing your message near the time of offence, she will not take you seriously.
• Give doable instructions: To a toddler, clearing a room might be an impossible task. Instead, be specific and break down the task into simpler, doable steps.
• Motivate: Parents are often on the lookout for bad behaviour but take good behaviour for granted when is shown. Make your child feel that it is worthwhile to pay attention.
• Be a good example: Children learn through their parents. If you don’t listen to them, you can’t expect them to listen to you. Remember, it’s what you do, not just what you say, that counts.