A literal child is not doing what you want it to do. What to do?

Ask yourself, why is it not doing the thing? Is the child:

• Hungry?
• Tired?
• Is the environment too noisy?
• Have you earned the child's trust and respect?
• Is the instruction necessary?
• Can you change the instruction or the circumstances?

Or just decide to blame it on the child. Children are of course supposed to do everything you say because reasons.