subject: Tricks For Getting Toddlers To Listen [print this page] Toddlers are busy little peopleToddlers are busy little people. Focusing on a parent for even a minute can be hard for them. But in an emergency situation, not listening is not an option.
The following tips can help you and your child establish good listening habits.
BING! - Find a word or sound that means 'Listen Up!' Try to use it every time you want your child to listen to you. Soon they will learn to associate it with paying attention to mommy or daddy. Watch out, though! Your child will definitely use the word or phrase on you. Make sure you're ready to set a good listening example when you hear 'BING!'
Eye contact - Be sure you have your child's attention when you talk to them. Sit or kneel so you can look them in the eye, grab their chin if necessary. Eventually, they will automatically look at you when you use your signal sound.
Yes, Yes, Yes - not No, No, No. A parent's job is to set boundaries and keep their kids safe, and that means a lot of No's. To make listening more fun, something they want to do, make sure what they hear is positive. Try, 'Bing! Thank you for putting away your toys! Good boy!' or 'Bing! Good girl! You ate all your lunch!'
Turn the TV off - And the stereo, and the annoying talking toys! If your child can actually hear you, they will be able to listen. Eventually, you'll want your toddler to listen despite distractions, but at first make it easier and move away from the noise. When you're out in public, find a quieter spot, or cover your child's ears with your hands.
Shhhhhhhhhhhhh! - Yelling is not very nice, and not very effective. It ends up frustrating both the parent and the child. If you start out quiet and get quieter, a child's natural inquisitiveness will make them wonder what you've said. If you are quiet, they will respond more quietly. If you yell, they learn that is an appropriate way to get someone's attention.
Try some yoga! - Try this simple breathing exercise to get your child's attention and help them focus. Lift their hands over their head and take a deep breath, then lower them and exhale. Even very small children will master this very quickly, and enjoy it! The handholding gets their attention and the breathing calms them down, getting them ready to listen. Once you have eye contact, use your signal sound and tell them what you want to tell them.
Patience, patience, patience. It's so hard to teach, and so hard to learn, but all parents know that patience is the key to raising kids.
Parents of toddlers face frustrating listening challenges every day. But they can be a good opportunity to practice. Establish good listening habits early, and your child will listen when it is the most important.
