How to Teach Toddlers to Listen

Maybe this is the routine in your house. You tell your toddler something once, then twice, and then you start to threaten punishment. Experts weigh in that this isn't the best way to teach toddlers to listen. In fact, it actually teaches them to wait until you say things repeatedly before they have to take action. Instead, try a new approach to teach your toddler how to listen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Kneel down to eye level. You've experienced it in your own conversations: It's easier to talk to someone when you can look her in the eye. Your toddler feels the same way. Get down to her level and she'll be more likely to listen. If it's hard to kneel down, pick her up. What's most important is that you're eye to eye.

2. Speak in a language your toddler can understand. There's no need to dumb down your words because your toddler understands more than you realize. However, your toddler's vocabulary is still growing, and if your words sound like gibberish, he'll likely ignore you.

3. Say it once. If your toddler doesn't respond, gently show her the way. Make sure your conversations aren't too wordy. Toddlers have a short attention span, and they'll tune you out if you don't get to the point.

4. Keep your word. If you tell your toddler that he must eat his vegetables or he can't have dessert, stick to it. One important part of a toddler's development isn't just listening to what you say, it's also important that he knows you mean it.

5. Control your yelling. It's tempting to yell instructions to your toddler, especially if she's disregarded your previous requests. If you yell too much, your toddler could learn to tune you out. Save your yelling for times when you really need it, like when you notice your toddler is about to touch a hot stove or run out into the street.

6. Listen to your toddler. At this tender age, children like to be just like mom and dad. If you model good listening, you'll see the same in your toddler. It's also good to have conversations with your toddler, even if his vocabulary isn't completely understandable. These "pretend" conversations build strong communication skills that your toddler will use the rest of his life.

[ryonslions]

on 11/3/2008 It is SO true that they model the behavior they are witnessing. I have seen this in how she acts around her older siblings. "That's MINE!" Wow, I have to not only teach her that's not nice, but to teach the others that everything they do, she sees and will do the same. It's coming along. Good advice.