# How can I work on Simple Directions with my child at home?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/how-can-i-work-on-simple-direction-with-my-child-at-home
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

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.

*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](https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/top-speech-therapy-center-india-proven-improvement-rate) check — and a hearing review too, since hearing always sits behind understanding.

## The Pinnacle way
A clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) 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](/simple-direction) 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.

## Sources
- CDC developmental milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/child-development
- ASHA on early language development: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/
- AAP HealthyChildren family guidance: https://www.healthychildren.org

## Connected topics and perspectives
- Parent: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/stakeholder/parent
- Communication: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/domain/communication
- Find Activities: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/intent/find_activities
- Family Empowerment: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/lens/empowerment/family_empowerment

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