Is Your Toddler Struggling to Follow Directions?
Try these tips from licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist
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Does your toddler have trouble following directions? Learning to follow directions is a key part of early language development, and it’s important to understand what toddlers should be able to do at different ages. Here’s a breakdown of how children typically learn to follow directions as they grow:
How Children Learn to Follow Directions by Age
1 year old: Responds to “no” and simple gestures.
1.5 years old: Follows one-part directions (e.g., “Pick up the ball”).
2 years old: Follows two-part, related directions (e.g., “Put on your coat and zip it up.” or “Go to your room and get your shoes.”).
3-4 years old: Follows two-part, unrelated directions (e.g., “Eat your breakfast, then go outside.”).
5-6 years old: Follows multi-step directions independently and follows directions in group settings (e.g., school, daycare, etc.).
5 Speech Therapy Tips to Help Toddlers Follow Directions
If your toddler struggles with following directions, don’t worry! Here are some helpful strategies I use as a speech therapist to support them:
1. Use Gestures
Gestures and visual clues can make it easier for your toddler to understand what you’re asking. For example, if you want your child to put their cup in the dishwasher, point to the cup and then to the dishwasher as you give the direction. This visual reinforcement helps them grasp the meaning of your words. Over time, you can gradually remove gestures to see if they can follow directions independently.
2. Break Down Directions
Make instructions simpler by breaking them into smaller steps. Instead of saying, “Go to your room, pick up your socks, and put them in the laundry basket,” try:
“Get your socks.”
“Go to your room.”
“Put your socks in the basket.”
This approach helps your toddler focus on one step at a time. As they get better at following simple steps, you can start combining 2 or 3 tasks.
3. Use Repetition and Positive Praise
Repeating directions helps your toddler understand and remember them better. Positive reinforcement is also key—when your child successfully follows a direction, praise them! For example, say, “Great job putting the books in the basket!” with a smile and a high-five. Encouraging words motivate your child to keep practicing and build confidence in their listening skills.
4. Practice During Playtime
Turn following directions into a game! Use toys or pretend play to give simple instructions like, “Give me the horse” or “Wash the doll’s hair.” Classic games like Simon Says also make listening and following directions fun. When learning is playful, toddlers are more engaged and willing to practice new skills.
5. Model and Offer Support
Show your toddler how to follow a direction by modeling it first. If you want them to clean up their toys, pick up a toy and demonstrate where it goes. Then, guide them with prompts as they try it themselves. As they improve, gradually reduce your support (this is called “scaffolding”) so they can follow directions on their own.
Need More Support?
Every child develops at their own pace, but if you’re feeling concerned about how your little one is following directions, trust your instincts. Talking with your child’s pediatrician or reaching out to your local early intervention program can be a great first step in getting the right support.
If you’d like guidance on how to naturally boost your child’s language skills during everyday routines, my Daily Routines Course is full of practical, easy-to-use strategies to help your toddler learn through daily moments. You’re not in this alone—there are so many ways to support your child, and I’m here to help!
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xoxo
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