Tips for getting 3 year olds to listen to instructions better.
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This is normal in development of children. They’re learning self control and emotional control- they don’t have. Only concern is it a tantrum or a meltdown? meltdown want to be console him. My son is 3, use a timer for everything especially leaving a fun place or finishing playing a fun activity. I let home know how much time he has left, why we have to leave. When I set the timer. I remind him always a next time. I say “first” mom is going to put the timer “then” when it goes off we will put your shoes and go to the car. . So If he has a meltdown about leaving a place, have stickers keep on me. Say if we use our learning ears. Then I ask Him what I said he’ll tell me,depending on age just remind him. Once you do everything head to the car I’ll Give you a sticker. He hasn’t had meltdowns or tantrum since using this approach. Hope this help!
Before for meltdowns I Would say I’m here for you it’s ok to be sad. Usually if he was Crying uncontrollably. “Sometimes we have to do things we don’t like that mom or dad tells you to. “Ask him if he wants a hug. Tantrum just attitude and crying but more mad than he is sad. I always remind him, to be kind and gentle .
Before we leave somewhere where I see my daughter is having fun I tell her okay 5 more minutes, okay 2 more minutes, time to go or what also helped is put a timer so she can hear time is up. Then i tey make it fun like let's race to the car, jump to the car etc. For potty I tell her okay do you want to potty in the car or potty in the potty( she knows only go in the potty so of course she says in the potty lol) or potty right now or go home etc
Sounds like he may be doing what’s called eloping. Nuerodivergent children do this a lot when they perceive a threat and instructions can seem like threats to their nervous system causing them to elope or run away and freak out. Couldn’t hurt to have him accessed? I am Autistic with adhd and so is my sister and I used to do this all the time as a child. Now my three year old does it every time I give instructions too. I had to get a backpack leash and a wrist leash because she runs away when in public and it’s terrifying.