Moms chronicles: Day to day

When Your Toddler Has Ears for Everything But You

Introduction:

Have you ever marveled at your toddler’s innate ability to ignore the words “Please clean up,” yet their ears perk up instantly at the crinkle of a snack wrapper from three rooms away? Welcome to the whimsical world of selective hearing, where your toddler’s ability to tune you out from a foot away is only matched by their keen fascination with the jingles of their favorite cartoon.

The Mystery of Selective Hearing:

Selective hearing isn’t just an amusing quirk; it’s a developmental phase rooted in the cognitive growth of toddlers. At this stage, their brains are busy absorbing language and learning to discern which sounds matter most. Naturally, those sounds tend to revolve around fun, food, and the occasional “no.”

Decoding the Selective Listening Patterns:

Snack Signal Sensitivity: Your toddler could be a room away, elbows-deep in crayon masterpieces, but the moment they hear the gentle rustle of a snack wrapper, they appear by your side as if summoned by magic. It’s as if their auditory system was fine-tuned by snack fairies themselves.

• The Call of the Playground: Amid the excitement of the playground, your carefully timed “time to go!” is like a gentle breeze in the chaos of a storm-noticed by none. The sights and sounds of fun, after all, hold undeniable sway over “boring” parental directives.

Strategies to Foster Listening Skills: While selective hearing is a delightful part of toddlerhood, it’s also a great time to gently guide them toward better listening skills:

• Engagement Through Play: Turn instructions into a game or sing them the tune of a favorite song. “Clean-up” and “dance party” can sometimes be indistinguishable if paired with a little creativity.

• Speak at Their Level: Physically getting down to their eye level and having them repeat back what you said can help bridge the gap between sound waves and comprehension.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise attentive behavior lavishly, turning those small moments of focus into celebrated victories. “You put on your shoes when I asked—you’re a superstar!”

Concluding Thoughts:

While it may sometimes seem they have ears only for cookies and cartoons, rest assured that beneath this veil of selective hearing, your toddler is developing vital skills and an understanding of the world around them. Celebrate the moments of clarity, embrace the delightful chaos, and remember-patience is the secret ingredient to guiding them toward a lifetime of listening.