How normal is it for children to just ignore you?

[Doitproperly]

When I ask my DS (3) a question, he usually just completely blanks me. It’s really frustrating. I don’t think it’s hearing because he’s been tested. Just very annoying.

My 4 year has taken to doing this recently. I tell her it’s rude to ignore people and then repeat the question.

I have a similar thing with my 3 year old, especially when she’s focusing on stuff. Also fairly sure it’s not hearing as we have deafness since birth in the family so she’s been tested a few times. No idea if it’s normal or not - I’m keeping an eye on it at the moment - but just to reassure you I’m in the same boat!

It does worry me if it doesn’t resolve soon as impact on school etc. DH got labelled as a bit of a dreamer at school despite being academic (looking out the window, not focusing etc) and I’m keen to avoid the same for DD as she seems to be fairly bright.

I had to make sure I used their name first so they knew I was talking to them / were alerted to have to listen.

I mentioned the selective hearing at my ds4.5 recent developmental assessment (sensory issues but apparently he's NT). She said it's normal. Drives me up the wall though, he's been doing it for years. Doesn't matter if I say his name first. Usually responds to 'chocolate' though...

@Planesplanesplanes ive tried this but still get ignored. So frustrating. @Blessedbethefruitz yeah same!

A very apologetic ENT Dr, who tested the hearing of DS2 aged 2 for this reason, had to tell me that his hearing was perfect and he was just ignoring me.

Many years later diagnosed with ADHD. When he hyperfocuses on something he just doesn't acknowledge us.

It's utterly infuriating. Especially as Im supposed to jump to his requests everytime he says mummy.... 😂

Quite common for my DD. I know it's not her hearing because she can hear me whisper the word ice cream from about a mile away.

I think it's normal at that age especially if they are distracted by something else, like TV or playing. But not necessarily because they're ignoring you on purpose but their little brains can't process the two things at once if they're already doing something.

I always make sure DD stops what she's doing and is looking at me before asking something/giving an instruction which seems to work.

My ds can be like this, he's usually just so focused on what he's doing. I find saying his name in different tones gets his attention. Try using a higher pitch. They just drown you out otherwise

Very normal. "Chocolate" usually gets their attention ;-)

When DS is distracted I say “listening ears” first.

He came back from nursery grabbing his ears one day and announcing he “had his listening ears on”. So I capitalise on it.