How to Teach Following Directions
Having a child who does not listen to your directions or fails to follow through with your instructions is frustrating. However, before children are able to follow directions correctly, they must learn what is expected of them and the proper way to adhere to your requests. You must teach your child the proper way to follow directions before you can hold him accountable for not following through. The time it takes to teach your child to follow directions will vary, depending on his age and developmental level.
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Instructions
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Discuss your expectations. Select a calm and quiet time of day to talk about your expectations for following directions with your child. Explain why following directions is important and what it means to follow directions. Work together with your child to determine consequences for not following directions, such as losing television time later if she does not turn the television off when asked.
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State the directions clearly. When giving your child directions, provide clear and concise instructions about the action you want him to take, such as "Turn off the television." Avoid asking questions such as "Can you turn off the television?" and negative statements such as "Don't watch television now." Give your child a time limit to complete the task or offer a choice of when the task must be completed, such as "You can turn the television off now or in five minutes."
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Have your child repeat the instructions. Once you have given the directions, ask your child to repeat the directions back to you to ensure that he has heard your directions and understands what you have asked.
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Enforce your directions. If your child does not follow your directions within the time limit you have decided upon, follow through with the consequences you have discussed with her. Remain calm and follow through with consequences every time that your child fails to follow your directions.
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Reward positive behavior. Praise your child when he starts the task you have asked him to complete. When he has finished completing the task give him a brief hug and comment on him good choice.
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