One of the most frustrating parts of parenting is when your child won’t listen to you. It can be difficult to tell the difference between when your child is ignoring you and when they can’t pay attention to you.

If reading this is already stressing you out, take a deep breath — this episode is here to help.

On this episode of Parenting Behavior, Dr. Andy Kahn will explain the many possible reasons why your child may have difficulties with listening or understanding. And he’ll go over some ways you can help.

Timestamps

(0:52) Anxiety, fear, and emotional distractions

(4:29) Focus and attention issues

(5:48) What does “developmental” really mean?

(7:51) Understanding your child’s comprehension challenges

(9:50) When to use consequences and punishments

We’d love to hear from you. You can email us at ParentingBehavior@understood.org.

A transcript for this episode is available on Understood.org.

Related resources

• Why some kids don’t listen
• How I got my child to listen (without yelling)
• Trouble with receptive language: What you’re seeing
• Understanding why kids have trouble with focus

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give