Ways to Encourage Good Listening Skills in Your Child
1. Communicate “eye to eye”. Get on their level. Lean down or kneel so you can be face to face.
2. Use physical prompts, such as a hand on the shoulder or to the cheek to guide their eyes to your face.
3. Use visual prompts, such as a hand gesture or visual aid.
4. Use props during conversation, such as a pretend microphone so the child knows when it’s time to listen and when it’s time to talk.
5. Provide the child with movement breaks or incorporate physical activities during listening task so his/her attention is optimal for better listening.
6. Provide the child with deep pressure during conversation to keep the child engaged.
7. Provide a transitional item to remind them of what you are requesting of them. For example, if you ask your child to do their homework….hand him/her a pencil as a reminder of what you’ve requested.
8. Over-exaggerate your responses to assist them in active listening.
