Social Skills Series: Learn How To Help Your Child Listen

Listening is an essential part of communication. It is also an important skill that every child needs to learn at home and school. As soon as children are born, they are trying to figure out how to communicate with the people around them.

What is ABA?

ABA stands for Applied Behavioral Analysis. It is a system of behavioral therapy for people who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or developmental disabilities. The goal of ABA is to help the person improve communication, social skills, and learning abilities by systematically teaching new behaviors. ABA therapists work with the child and their parents to help them understand how their behavior affects others. 

How does ABA therapy work?

Parent-child therapy lessons are designed to be simple, yet they require an investment of time and effort. The process starts with a parent enrolling their child in sessions with a therapist trained in ABA therapy. There is a lot of teaching involved. The therapist will teach the parent to better understand their child's emotions and what triggers the tantrums. The therapist will also help the parent identify things that can be done at home to keep the tantrums from happening again.

Listening skills explained

Listening skills are not innate—the ability to listen well has to be developed. Listening is a skill that needs to be practiced to improve. And, if your child doesn't have the skills they need now, you can teach them. There are many ways for you to practice with your child and help them improve their listening skills. You could ask them questions about what they want to do as a career or what they’ve been doing at school each day.

Help your child learn to listen

To help your child learn to listen, you need to engage their mind. You can do this by using colorful visuals and telling a story while showing what they want to accomplish. This encourages your child to focus on the task and become interested in it. The more they enjoy listening, the more receptive they'll be to what you're saying.

Other Listening Tips for Parents include: 

Use short sentences.

Use short words.

Use simple, easy-to-understand vocabulary.

Speak in your child's normal tone of voice.

Point out the things you see, touch, hear and smell to see if your child is paying attention.

How to use ABA therapy with your child 

Listen carefully to your child. Creating a positive atmosphere with the child will help them maximize their listening skills. Try to be aware of any distractions that might give your child the opportunity not to listen; otherwise, they may not be ready to learn or change. Be patient and understand that there are times when your child will push back. They may refuse to listen but it is important for you to keep encouraging them and help them find their way through this phase.

Conclusion

Here we have explored various ways to help your child listen. Some of these ideas may seem like common sense, but they can make a big difference. Implementing these tactics will show your child that you are someone who cares about them.

I hope you found this blog informative and the information helpful. If you are interested in learning more about Applied Behavior Analysis and the services Behavior Matters, LLC provides, please send an email to info@behaviormattersllc.com