listening skills

our 6 yr old by nature is a very inteligent and good child but latley his listening skill are terrible........he doesn't listen to adults  and is in silly mode all the time.....this occurs at home and school..........help...i'm afraid he is going to get hurt before he learns a leason......mom and dad are at wits ends as to how to deal with this

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

I'm assuming that what you are referring to as listening actually means that your son is not doing what he is told. If the assumption is correct, there is a straightforward way to address it. First, when giving directions, be sure to establish eye contact and have your son repeat the direction. If he does not comply, give him an ultimatum (not loudly or punitively): Unless you ...., you are going to time out. Then, deliver on the ultimatum - absolutely do not repeat the direction. If he complies, offer some verbal praise and encouragement. If he does not comply, send him to time out for ten minutes. Use an adult-size chair, track the time with a timer. At the conclusion of the time out period, ask your son what he did that resulted in the time out and how he can handle the situation differently in the future.

[An Audiologist]

What is not mentioned is whether this child has any history of ear infections, or has ever had an audiological examination to rule out hearing loss.  Minimal loss, and particularly fluctuating hearing loss with recurrant middle ear dffusion will result in behavior similiar to that described.  Good luck.   (I feel all children should have a complete audiological examination to establish a baseline which will either rule out hearing loss or identify any problems for early intervension.