Following Directions at Home

I recommend the following strategies for parents and caregivers to help their child practice following spoken directions in the home setting:

1. Give clear and concise directions: When giving your child directions, make sure to use simple and concise language. Break down the directions into smaller, manageable steps if needed. Avoid using long, complex sentences or giving too many instructions at once.

2. Repeat and confirm: After giving your child a direction, repeat it to make sure they have understood it correctly. You can also ask your child to repeat the direction back to you in their own words. This will help ensure that your child has understood what is expected of them.

3. Visual aids: You can use visual aids like pictures, symbols, or gestures to support verbal instructions. This will help your child to associate the words with a visual representation, making it easier for them to follow the directions.

4. Make it fun: Incorporate following directions into games or everyday activities. For example, you could play "Simon Says" or ask your child to help you with household tasks like setting the table, following a recipe, or cleaning up their toys.

5. Praise and positive feedback: When your child successfully follows a direction, make sure to praise them and provide positive feedback. This will encourage them to continue practicing and build their confidence.

Remember that every child is different, and it may take time for them to develop the skills needed to follow spoken directions independently. Be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach, and don't hesitate to seek professional help from a Speech-Language Pathologist if you have concerns about your child's language development. You can contact Clearway Speech here.

If you have a toddler at home, go to the ultimate blueprint to Help Your Toddler Talk for age appropriate tools and strategies.