My mother-in-law jokes that husbands have selective hearing, but I think my child flat out ignores me at times. It's a common source of frustration and I wonder what I can do so Kellan doesn't make a habit of tuning me out.

I am trying to make more eye contact when I talk to Kellan. It sounds like a given, but I realize that I don't make eye contact when it matters. For example, when I am putting away the breakfast dishes and I ask Kellan to grab his jacket and shoes so we can leave for school, he often doesn't respond. I should make eye contact so my request makes an impact.

My husband and I also try not to talk exclusively about adult matters when we have dinner together. It's easy for parents to do since dinner is a convenient time for adults to catch up, but it can leave little ones out. Not that a preschooler is always great at carrying on a conversation, still it's important to always include them and for parents to practice their listening skills.

Another thing I've been doing is asking Kellan to repeat what I just said. I notice it helps to reduce tantrums. If we are having fun somewhere and it's almost time to go, I give him a five-minute warning, then I ask him to repeat what I just said.

There are activities you can do with your child to improve her listening skills. What are some of the things you do to encourage your child to listen?