Does your child seem to ignore you the first time you call their name? Do you find yourself calling them over and over again, but they don’t seem to hear you? If your child is not responding to their name, they could have difficulty with something we call joint attention. Joint attention is simply when your child shares attention to the same thing as you. For example, looking to where you look and turning when you talk to them. When your child has difficulty responding to their name, there are a few things you can do to help.

• Play games that require your assistance and participation. Games like blowing bubbles, peek-a-boo, and tickles are great for improving joint attention. Make sure you are sitting at eye level and pausing to give them time to practice looking at you or requesting you to continue.
  
• Say their name more often during play. When something is about to happen in a game say “Billy look!” or “Billy, where are you?” in a game of peek-a-boo.
  
• Hold toys and objects of interest close to your face and eyes. Wait for your child to look at you before handing it to them.
  
• Give your child plenty of time to respond. After calling your child’s name, pause and wait several seconds before calling their name again. It may take some time to process your request and respond.

Interested in learning more? Check out my book “30 Days to Get Your Toddler Talking.”  It is a 30 day step by step book for parents and caregivers age 18 months to 3 years old who are not yet talking or talking very little.  Click here to order.

Check out our YouTube Video on this topic by clicking below: