My child doesn’t listen to me. Help.
It’s a common worry for parents: “My child doesn’t listen to me.” Maybe you ask your child to put on their shoes, clean up toys, or start homework — and it feels like the request goes unheard. But what looks like “not listening” can actually have many different underlying causes.
At NRC Therapy Services in Monmouth County, NJ, we hear this concern often. The good news is, there are steps you can take to understand what’s going on and how to support your child.
Step 1: Rule Out Hearing Concerns
The very first step is to make sure your child can hear clearly. Even mild hearing loss (from ear infections, fluid, or undiagnosed issues) can affect how well a child responds to directions.
👉 Tip: Schedule a hearing test with an audiologist. This simple step helps you know whether “not listening” could actually be a hearing concern.
Step 2: Look at Language Skills
Sometimes the issue isn’t hearing, but rather understanding language. Children with receptive language delays may hear the words but struggle to process them. For example, your child might:
Look confused when given multi-step directions
Miss key words in a sentence
Have trouble following classroom instructions
Seem to “tune out” when sentences are long or complex
A speech-language evaluation can determine whether your child is having difficulty understanding spoken language and recommend strategies or therapy.
Step 3: Consider Executive Function Skills
“Not listening” can also be tied to executive functioning challenges. These are the brain skills that help with attention, memory, and organization. A child may hear you, but struggles with:
Sustaining attention long enough to process the request
Remembering multi-step instructions
Switching from one activity to another without a fight
Prioritizing tasks like cleaning up or starting homework
Executive function coaching (often provided by SLPs) can give children concrete strategies to stay on task and follow through.
Step 4: Seek Support If Needed
If you’ve ruled out hearing issues and notice ongoing struggles with listening, understanding, or following directions, it’s time to seek professional support. Early intervention can make a big difference in school performance, family routines, and your child’s confidence.
We’re Here to Help (Monmouth County, NJ)
At NRC Therapy Services, we work with families across Belmar, Wall, Manasquan, Spring Lake, and throughout Monmouth County to address listening concerns. We provide:
Hearing referral guidance
Speech and language evaluations
Executive function strategies
Individualized therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs
If you find yourself saying, “My child doesn’t listen to me,” you’re not alone — and help is available.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child’s listening, understanding, and everyday success.