how can i get my 2 year old to listen?

[ChazDingle]

Sometimes he just seems to take no notice at all.

Pre school have asked that i get him referred for a hearing test but them and me are 95% sure there is nothing physically wrong.

I thought he was just ignoring but now i'm not so sure as yesterday he was watching tv and my dad spoke to him and he didn't answer and dad was saying things like 'would you like some chocolate' and he still didn't answer. He somehow seems to switch off when he doing something else that he's interested in.

He's 2.9 BTW

I think this is quite normal, especially when watching tv, they just get very absorbed in whatever it is they are doing. If I want 2yo's attention when watching something I pause tv (on computer) and talk to him eye-to-eye making sure he responds. Try looking him in the eyes when you ask him something.

If preschool have asked for a referral then get one.

As a minimum as your GP to look in his ears.

If he has hearing issues it could detrimentally impact on his speech and behaviour.

i've already got him booked in for one, its next friday. The clinic is for hearing tests for under 3s so hopefully they should be used to what 2 year olds can be like!

That's good!

My ds was a devil for not listening - I have to get his level and make sure he can see me. If he's watching tv then no chance...!

If my son is very distracted- I turn off telly etc. look him in the eyes and tell him to turn his ears on! He pretends to do so! I then ask him to look at me - and point to my mouth!! This usually holds his attention for long enough to say whatever (usually this process is reserved for something important - I.e bath time is after Ben and holly!)

I was going to start a post like this. DD IS a month younger and will literally do anything to avoid having to listen. As her speech is pretty good I try to get her to repeat back to me what I've said. It's infuriating though. Not sure how much she listens at pre-school- I suspect it takes a few goes but she listens in the end.