8 Tips to Get Toddlers to Listen

Get close: When redirecting or instructing a toddler, approach the toddler so that he or she can hear us with less distraction. Avoid raising your voice or calling to the toddler from across the room or the house.  

Get down to their level: After approaching a toddler, bend, sit, or kneel to get closer to his or her direct line of vision and hearing 

Use a gentle touch: a gentle touch on the arm or shoulder will increase the odds of getting their full attention before speaking. 

Use eye contact: Get down on their level with calm eyes and expressions. Toddlers respond better to calm, consistent body language cues than they do to frustrated faces. 

Be calm, but assertive: Whether a toddler is quiet and content or loud and squawking, the predictable voice of a trusted adult will help them feel secure– which significantly improves the odds of cooperation! 

Offer Choices: Give the child two alternatives… it’s a win/win. You are ultimately calling the shots but the toddler believes they have some control.  

Use short, direct statements:  

Do say: “It’s time to get our shoes on and get in the car”  

Don’t say: “If we’re not in the car in five minutes, we’ll be late for the party and we might miss the games.” 

Tell them what they CAN do: “No, don’t do THAT!” ugh! A simple change in wording allows the adult to offer a better alternative, and the child to understand what positive choice could replace the negative behavior. 

For example, rather than saying, “Don’t write on the table,” say, “Please keep your crayons on the paper.” 

Instead of, “Don’t throw food on the floor,” try, “Let’s keep our food on our plates.” 

Instead of “Stop leaving toys all over the floor,” say, “Please put your toys where they belong.” 

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