31/08/2026
Is your child really listening?
Listening is more than simply hearing. Children need to pay attention, understand what they hear, remember information and respond appropriately. These skills are important for learning, communication and everyday life.
Signs your child may be struggling with listening:
• Often asks you to repeat yourself
• Seems to “switch off” when given instructions
• Has difficulty following 2–3 step instructions
• Misses important information in conversations
• Is easily distracted by background noise
• Struggles to remember what they have just heard
• Appears not to listen, even when they can hear well
• Finds classroom listening and group activities challenging
Simple ways to build listening skills at home:
✨ Play games like Simon Says or I Spy
✨ Read stories together and ask questions about what happened
✨ Give your child fun multi-step instructions: “Get your shoes, find your hat and put them by the door.”
✨ Play sound games like “What can you hear?”
✨ Reduce background noise when giving important information
✨ Get your child’s attention first, then speak clearly and at their level
✨ Ask them to repeat or explain what they heard, not just “Did you hear me?”
✨ Make listening fun through songs, rhymes, movement and games.
Remember: Difficulty listening isn’t always about behaviour or “not paying attention”. There may be underlying language, auditory processing, attention or other developmental factors contributing.
If you’re concerned about your child’s listening skills, a Speech-Language Therapist can assess their communication and listening abilities and guide you on the best next steps.
Listen. Understand. Connect. Learn.
