When an 18-month-old ignores your request, what should you do?

When an 18-month-old ignores your request, what should you do?

• A. Repeat the request and show him what you want him to do.
• B. Yell to get his attention.
• C. Remove the demand and wait.
• D. Give a distraction.

Answer: (A)

When a toddler ignores a request, the best move is to repeat it and show exactly what you want them to do. At 18 months, children understand simple language but learn best by watching and imitating actions. Demonstrating the task provides a clear cue and a model for them to copy, making the expectation concrete. Yelling tends to raise arousal and can push the child farther from the goal, while simply removing the demand or offering a distraction doesn’t teach the desired behavior. A calm approach that pairs a brief, clear request with a demonstration (and gentle guidance if needed) plus positive acknowledgment when they comply helps them learn what’s expected and gradually improves cooperation. For example, say “Please put the block in the box,” and show exactly how to do it, then praise when it’s done.

When a toddler ignores a request, the best move is to repeat it and show exactly what you want them to do. At 18 months, children understand simple language but learn best by watching and imitating actions. Demonstrating the task provides a clear cue and a model for them to copy, making the expectation concrete. Yelling tends to raise arousal and can push the child farther from the goal, while simply removing the demand or offering a distraction doesn’t teach the desired behavior. A calm approach that pairs a brief, clear request with a demonstration (and gentle guidance if needed) plus positive acknowledgment when they comply helps them learn what’s expected and gradually improves cooperation. For example, say “Please put the block in the box,” and show exactly how to do it, then praise when it’s done.