Talking to Preschoolers in a Way They Actually Listen

Sometimes it is truly difficult to tell if a preschooler is actually listening. Unfortunately, it is also difficult to know if the adult is making the listening process easier or more challenging.

Here are seven strategies to talk to a preschooler in a way that they will actually want to listen: 

1. When it is feasible, drop down to your preschooler’s eye level to help alleviate any accidental intimidation when talking through something important with your child. Even when this is not possible (like when cooking), try to make eye contact with your preschooler when possible. 
2. Model calming strategies for your child during a conversation. For example, when talking through an important topic with your child (when things are otherwise heated), show your child the importance of breathing before speaking. You can also say something like, “Give me a second, I need to think before I speak right now. I do not want to say anything that I regret.”
3. Along the same lines, try to consistently speak calmly and keep your speaking volume from raising too much. 
4. Use your preschooler’s name during the course of any conversation. This helps your child to feel special and appreciated. This can help perk up your child’s ears to listen to what you have to say.
5. Try to guard against having negative speech. Without meaning to, it is easy to accidentally belittle your child’s feelings or words.
6. As necessary, let your preschooler pick a comfortable spot for you to have an important conversation.
7. Try to not overload your preschooler with too much information at once. This may needlessly frustrate or confuse your child.

Your preschooler recognizes and appreciates your love. It never hurts, though, to have strategies up your sleeve to help your preschooler want to actually listen to you more!

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.

Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Cypress located in Cypress, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.