How to Help Children Follow Directions

One of the most important skills necessary in order for children to be successful in life is the ability to follow directions. They will need to be able to perform tasks such as cooking, which requires them to follow a recipe, and to do as they are told for their own safety. When they are older, to keep a job and make money, they will need to follow the directions given to them at work. It is vital to give children tools that will assist them in learning to follow instructions and give them the knowledge that failing to follow directions has repercussions.

Things You'll Need

  • Recipe
  • Pen
  • Paper

Instructions

    • 1

      Use simple, straight-to-the-point sentences when giving children instructions. Tell him to put his toy in the toy box. Tell her to brush her teeth and go to bed. Simple sentences are a way to avoid overloading children. If you give them too many directions to follow, they may become confused and if you give broad directions, they may interpret them incorrectly.

    • 2

      Prepare a recipe together. It does not matter what you make, just show your child the process. First, read the recipe. Second, gather the necessary ingredients and tools. Then, follow the steps to complete the recipe. This makes it clear to kids that instructions must be followed to reach a certain result.

    • 3

      Write instructions together. Give each child an action to write directions for. For example, tell one child to write how to brush his teeth. Another child can write about how to paint her fingernails. Writing instructions teaches children that the little details are important.

    • 4

      Gain the children's attention. Turn off the television, radio or computer screen; children are easily distracted. Say their names before giving them an instruction or direction to follow. After you give directions, ask them to repeat the information to you. This will reinforce the importance of following your instructions.

    • 5

      Acknowledge positive and negative behavior with rewards and punishments. Teach children who listen that you appreciate their behavior by thanking them with words, hugs or expanded privileges. Children who fail to do as they are told should suffer some form of punishment, such as having their music and television privileges revoked. However, let children know they will not be rewarded each time they follow instructions to prevent a sense of entitlement.

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