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Working on Simple Directions With Your Child at Home
Build simple directions at home with short, clear one-step instructions paired with a gesture, woven into daily routines like tidy-up, mealtimes and play. Celebrate every attempt, fade the gesture as your child improves, then progress to two-step directions. If your child doesn't follow simple requests by around 18 months, seek a friendly speech and hearing check.
In this answer 5 sections
Following a simple instruction is a big milestone — and your living room is the perfect place to grow it, one cheerful request at a time.
In short
Working on simple directions at home means giving your child short, clear, one-step instructions and warmly celebrating every attempt to follow them. Start with things they already enjoy, keep your words few, pair them with a gesture, and build up slowly. Little and often — woven into daily routines — works far better than long practice sessions.
Everyday activities that build simple directions
Keep it to one step first
- Use short, clear phrases: "Give me the ball," "Sit down," "Clap hands."
- Say the instruction once, then wait a few seconds — give your child time to process before repeating.
- Pair your words with a gesture or point at first, then slowly fade the gesture as they get it.
Build it into the day
- Tidy-up game: "Put the block in the box" — turn it into a fun race or song.
- Mealtime helpers: "Bring your spoon," "Push your chair in."
- Bath and dressing: "Pass the towel," "Lift your arms."
- Play routines: "Roll the car," "Feed the teddy."
Make success easy and joyful
- Choose directions linked to things your child already likes.
- Celebrate every try — a big smile, a clap, a cuddle. Praise the effort, not just the perfect result.
- If they don't respond, gently guide their hands through it, then praise as if they did it themselves. This teaches what success feels like.
- Once one-step directions are easy, try two steps: "Get your shoes and bring them here."
When to check in with someone
Most children begin following simple one-step directions (with a gesture) around their first birthday, and without a gesture a little later. Every child moves at their own pace. If your child consistently doesn't respond to their name, simple requests or familiar routines by around 18 months, it's worth a friendly speech therapy check — and a hearing review too, since hearing always sits behind understanding.
The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care — never from an app or a home checklist. Our therapists can show you exactly how to grade simple directions to your child's level so home practice and therapy pull in the same direction. With 25 million+ therapy sessions behind us, we know small daily wins add up.
Trusted sources
Guided by CDC developmental milestones, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on early language and following directions, and AAP family guidance on supporting communication at home.
Next step — message our team on WhatsApp at +91 91001 81181 to book a developmental check and get a home-practice plan tailored to your child.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — individual assessment and diagnosis require an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
CONNECT THE ANSWER TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY
Something to notice. Something to discuss.
What to notice
Watch for steady progress: responding to their name, following a one-step request with a gesture, then without one. If your child consistently doesn't respond to simple requests or familiar routines by around 18 months, book a speech and hearing check rather than waiting.
In everyday life
Pick one routine moment a day — bath, snack or tidy-up — and give a single clear instruction with a gesture. Wait, then celebrate any attempt with a big smile.
Bring your observations and questions to your child’s professional. Choose activities that suit your child’s comfort, abilities and agreed plan.
Bring your questions to a first visitQuestions families ask
At what age should my child follow simple directions?
Many children begin following simple one-step directions with a gesture around their first birthday, and without a gesture a little later. Every child develops at their own pace, so focus on steady progress rather than an exact date.
My child ignores my instructions — what should I do?
Try saying it once and waiting a few seconds before repeating, use fewer words, and pair the request with a gesture or point. Gently guide their hands through the action, then praise as if they did it alone. If this continues by around 18 months, a speech and hearing check is wise.
How many directions should I practise at once?
Start with just one-step directions linked to things your child enjoys. Once those are easy and consistent, move on to two-step directions like 'Get your shoes and bring them here.' Little and often beats long sessions.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
References behind this answer.
- Source referenceCDC developmental milestones
- Source referenceASHA on early language development
- Organisation website · further readingAAP HealthyChildren family guidance
References are supplied with this answer. An organisation homepage offers further reading; it does not establish an independent review of this page.
Content attribution: SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network.
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