When do children typically begin to follow simple instructions?

Children typically begin to follow simple instructions around the age of 12 months. At this stage in development, toddlers are becoming increasingly aware of language and communication, which allows them to understand and act on straightforward verbal commands, such as "come here" or "give me the ball."

As children approach this age, they start to make connections between words and their meanings, reflecting their growing cognitive and language skills. While some may show understanding of simple requests as early as 9 months, it is more common for most children to reach this milestone by 12 months when their language comprehension significantly improves.

Following simple instructions is an important developmental milestone that indicates a child's ability to process and respond to social cues, which is essential for effective communication and interaction with caregivers and peers. This skill sets the foundation for more advanced language and comprehension abilities as they continue to develop.