How to Teach Children Listening Skills
The importance of listening skills cannot be underestimated. A person who listens well is more likely to understand directions that are given to him and less likely to make unnecessary mistakes. Listening is a very important part of communication as well and enables people to be on the same page with others. If you have children, it is a very good idea to try to teach them listening skills from an early age. Read this article to learn some different techniques.
Instructions
Explain to your children the importance of listening as well as your expectations for them to listen and obey when asked to do something. Children, especially young children, typically aim to please their parents. If you set the bar for listening, they will likely rise to meet it. Make sure that you have your kids' attention when you speak. Children can be easily distracted, so if the television is on or they are heavily engrossed in a game they may not hear you. Overcome this issue by asking them to respond when you speak to them. For instance, when you call your child's name he could respond by saying "Yes, daddy." This way you will know you have his attention and can continue on with your request, knowing that he is listening to you. Tell your child that you expect a response when you say his name. If you do not get a response, move closer so that you know you have his attention and say his name again. Teach your children to listen and respond to you the first time you say something. If you ask your child to do something and he does not listen, do not keep repeating yourself. If you ask your son to do something five times before he complies, you will be teaching him that you really do not mean what you say the first four times you say it. You will be reinforcing his behavior by asking again and again. Ask him to do something and if he does not, ask if he heard you. If he did not hear you, repeat your request. If he did hear you, remove any distractions, such as the television, until he complies. Reinforce good listening skills. You could create a star chart and have your children earn stars that could lead to goodies for listening well. The more motivated your children are to listen, the more likely they will develop the skill quickly. Play games that reinforce listening. Games, such as Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light, require children to listen and pay attention in order to be successful. The more you play listening games, the more your child's skills will be refined. Tell your children stories, ask them questions and engage them in conversation. The more you share and relate to your children, the more likely they will be to respect and listen to you.
