When Your Child 'Won't Listen' Really Means 'Can't Listen': Unpacking the Hidden Reasons Behind Repeated Instructions

The Frustration of Repeated Instructions

"Argh! My child just won't listen!" Sound familiar? You're not alone. Does it feel like you're stuck in a loop, repeating the same instruction over and over, only to be met with a blank stare? It's incredibly frustrating, and you're left wondering, "Why can't they just hear me?"

Checking the Basics: Hearing and Sensory Processing

Before we jump to conclusions, let's peek "under the hood" and explore what might really be happening. The foundations of learning are built on our senses. While our amazing occupational therapy colleagues can delve deeper into sensory processing, let's start with the basics: Has your child had a recent hearing test? Making sure the mechanics are working properly is the first step.

Executive Functions: The Gatekeepers to Learning

But sometimes, "not listening" isn't about hearing at all. Executive functions, those crucial cognitive processes like attention, impulse control, and flexibility, play a huge role. Think of them as the gatekeepers to your child's knowledge and problem-solving skills. If they're struggling to shift or sustain attention, or control impulses, it might look like they're ignoring you.

Receptive Language: Understanding the Words

Or perhaps the challenge lies in receptive language – your child's ability to understand and process words. This "invisible" difficulty can explain why they seem to miss your instructions, even when you're speaking clearly. For more information on receptive language and related speech pathology services, you can visit Speech Pathology Australia: https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/.

Finding Answers and Support in Geelong

So, is your child "not listening," or are they struggling to actually hear, focus, or understand? As Dr. Ross Greene wisely reminds us, "Kids do well if they can." It's not about defiance; it's about understanding the underlying challenges. To learn more about Dr. Greene's collaborative problem solving approach, you can visit Lives in the Balance: https://livesinthebalance.org/.

If you're concerned about your child's ability to follow directions, and are looking for a child psychologist in Geelong who can provide comprehensive cognitive and educational assessment get in touch today to book an initial consultation with Glow State Psychology.