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Your preschooler is gaining new vocabulary every day! Even though they are talking more, they may not always understand what you are saying. Here are a few ideas that can help you communicate clearly and talk in a way that your preschooler will actually listen.
- Get on their level. Squatting down to your preschooler’s eye level helps them focus on your face and the words you are about to say.
- Young children are very literal. Try to say exactly what you mean. When you use sarcasm or exaggeration, they may not grasp the meaning behind your words.
- Be specific. Vague directions may not be easy for your preschooler to follow. You know what you mean, but they may not. Instead of saying, “Put your shoes away.” Say, “Pick up your shoes and put them in the closet.”
- Keep your instructions short and simple. One or two sentences is often all that can be said before your preschooler loses interest or gets distracted.
- When your child does not seem to understand or it seems they may not even be listening, try repeating what you said in a different way. Repeating the same thing over and over (and possibly louder and louder) does not ensure listening and understanding.
- Ask your child to repeat a request back to you. If you have asked them to complete a task, make sure they were listening before they even get started.
- Make sure your body language and facial expressions line up with what you are saying. Smiling when you give a compliment allows them to make a connection between verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Whenever possible or reasonable, explain the “why” to your child. Preschoolers are naturally full of questions. Explaining some things more in depth will help them become a better listener.
- Teach your child to take turns when talking. If they are already trying to think of what to say next or they are talking over you, they are not really being a good listener. Ask them to focus and listen to what you are saying, and then they will have a chance to talk after you are finished.
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 Stafford located in Stafford, 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.