Helping Your Child Follow Directions

Tips and Tools for Parents

Children these days are easily distracted by modern technology. Video games, television and the internet offer over-stimulation in many cases, leading to behavioral problems. One of the common behavior problems children face involves the inability to follow directions, or worse - the capacity to follow directions but the refusal to do so. There are many preventative steps that you, as a parent, can take. If you are already experiencing difficulty with your child, here the same measures can be taken to help correct the problem.

Establish rules for following directions, such as having your child listen closely when directions are being given. These rules should be consistent and followed by everyone in the household, and talked about often.

Communicate in a loving, patient and understanding manner.

Let your child know that it is okay to ask that directions be repeated, and encourage them to ask questions about directions that they do not fully understand.

Reward your child for following directions, and praise them. Make sure you offer positive encouragement and let them know that they are doing a good job.

Assist your child in performing responsibilities and gradually require your child to independently assume more responsibility as he/she demonstrates success and confidence.

Make sure that the responsibilities given to your child are age-appropriate for your child, and meet the level of your child’s ability and development.

Sit down with your child and discuss a list of chores that he/she would like to do. Letting your child have some say in the decision making makes it seem less like work and more like fun.

Establish a certain time of day for your child to take care of their responsibilities. If your child feeds the dog at 8 a.m. every morning, they develop a routine and are less likely to forget their chores.

Do not punish your child for forgetting on occasion, or for accidents that interfere with following direction.

Make certain to give directions in a very simple manner and be specific as to what your child will be doing. This will improve your child’s understanding and minimize confusion.