If you are busy - talking on the telephone, etc. Then be sure to follow through later. Before You Speak Children find it easier to concentrate on only one thing at a time. Wait for eye-contact, then give directions, make requests, or ask questions. When talking with very young children, it may be necessary to stoop down to their level or to sit at a table with them.
Adults fail to realize the effect their size has on small children.
Make Requests Simple Children often have a hard time remembering several orders at a time. You were probably overwhelmed by the numerous steps needed to reach your destination. We all tend to remember the beginning and end of long statements, but not much of the middle. When making requests of children think about breaking them into small steps you can request one at a time. Make Important Requests Firmly Speak as if you mean it, and give the child a reason why this must be done at this particular time.