No one should be barking orders at him. But he can’t learn if he can’t, or won’t, carry out a teacher’s instructions. This skill takes time to learn. But as your child heads toward her 5th birthday, her ability to follow directions should be rapidly improving.

Sometimes this doesn’t happen, though. If you’re concerned, you may want to ask a school official about testing. Some children have trouble remembering what they heard, then acting on it. To others, directions are a like a jumble in their brains. They can’t sort them out. Or, children just don’t focus when the directions are given.

The last problem will most likely clear up as your child gets a little older. But the first two may mean your child needs professional help. It’s best to get that help before age 6.

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