Why Toddlers and Preschoolers Don’t Always Follow Directions

Have you ever watched your Tiny Trooper run off in the opposite direction from their coach during class? Watched them ignore a cue to complete an activity? Perhaps you’ve even watched them do something completely different than what they were asked to do. There’s no need to worry. You’re not alone, and your child isn’t doing anything wrong. One of the most common questions we hear from families is why their toddler or preschooler doesn’t follow directions. The answer is simpler than you might think.

Toddlers and Preschoolers are Still Learning How to Listen

Listening is not a switch that toddlers can flip on and off. It’s a skill that develops over time. When we ask toddlers to follow directions during soccer classes, we’re asking them to hear the instruction, understand the words, process what’s being asked, control their bodies, and execute the action. That’s a lot to ask of a developing brain, even moreso when they’re in a new environment filled with other children and movement. Toddler brains are still learning how to manage all of those steps at once. That’s why toddlers don’t follow directions consistently yet.

New Environments Make Following Directions Harder

Even toddlers who typically follow directions well at home may struggle in class. Why? Soccer class includes new people, new routines, new expectations, and new distractions, often in a new location. We often see this occur with toddlers and preschoolers who are new to Tiny Troops Soccer, whether they are shy or simply refusing to play. Toddlers and preschoolers are busy trying to figure out the ins and outs of the new experience before they can focus on what they should be doing.

Attention Spans are Short, and That’s Normal!

Toddlers and preschoolers have very short attention spans, especially when they’re excited or overwhelmed. This might look like a few different scenarios. It might look like starting an activity, then walking away. It might be following one direction, but missing the next. It might even look like listening one week during class, but not the next week. None of this means that your Tiny Trooper isn’t capable. It’s simply reflecting where they are developmentally, and another key reason why toddlers and preschoolers don’t follow directions consistently yet.

Tiny Troops Soccer Practices Following Directions

In Tiny Troops Soccer, following directions is just one of the skills we teach. Your child’s coach doesn’t expect your Tiny Trooper to come to class already knowing how to do this. All coaches help build on this skill during each and every class. They do this by keeping directions short and simple, as well as modeling actions instead of just giving directions. Coaches also use consistent routines and cues. Often, you’ll see the same games week after week. Repetition helps toddlers and preschoolers learn what to expect. They thrive on knowing routines. This makes it easier for them to listen and respond over time.

How Families Can Support Listening Skills

Your support for your Tiny Trooper matters more than you may realize. Here are some ways that you can help:

• keep expectations realistic
• Avoid correcting or calling out missed directions
• Praise effort
  • “You tried listening!”
  • “I saw you following the coach.”
• Trust that repetition builds understanding

If your Tiny Trooper doesn’t always follow directions in class, it doesn’t mean they aren’t listening or learning. It means they’re developing a skill that takes time, practice, and patience. Understanding why toddlers and preschoolers don’t follow directions helps us respond with empathy and creates space for real growth. We’re excited to support your Tiny Trooper as they build confidence, focus, and listening skills this year! And if you’ve yet to join us on Soccer Island, find your location and enroll today!