Attention Span In Kids At Different Ages Plus 6 Ways You Can Help Your Child Improve Theirs

A lot of parents are concerned about their child’s ability to focus and are worried how it will affect their learning abilities. The truth is watching TV attentively does not count as a measure of attention span in a child.

A very short attention span coupled with hyperactivity and an impulsive behaviour in kids may be a sign of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that affects 5% of children, but experts warn against hasty diagnosis because your child could be just fine with little help from you.

Knowing that young children generally have relatively short attention spans and will do best when alternating activities should help you relax as a parent.

what is the normal attention span for kids?

Experts agree on the following:

8 – 15 months ➜ 1-2 minutes
16 – 19 months ➜ 2-3 minutes
20 – 24 months ➜ 3-6 minutes
25 – 36 months ➜ 5-8 minutes
3 – 4 years ➜ 8-10 minutes

Ways You Can Help Your Toddler increase His Attention Span

1. Give Attention To Gain Attention:

In giving your child your undivided attention, they can easily learn from your model. When you join fully in their interests, it helps you feel confident in how to make effective contributions.

2. Step Away From The Gadgets

Let them explore their surroundings and learn from what they feel and touch by limiting their exposure to television and computer games. Encourage outdoor plays the old-fashioned way, just like we used to do.

3. Supplement Rather Than Interrupt

Allow your child to develop independent concentration by giving them time to follow their own train of thought. Follow what they are playing with, rather than directing their play.

4. Work It Out

Child experts have determined that there is a deep correlation between exercise and increased concentration, as exercise promotes better breathing which feeds the body with super oxygenated blood. If you did not know before now, you may be surprised to find that kids fresh off the playground and into the classroom seem to pay more attention in class.

5. Spark Their Interest

Even though children have little patience for structured activities, you can still find their soft spots and help them develop more capacity with their attention span.

When you introduce these activities, start with short periods of time so that your child is keen for more. It is better to stop a little early and have your child be happy to return to an activity later, rather than focus on ‘completing a task’ in one sitting.

6. Introduce Variety

As variety is the spice of life, so is it a spice for learning. Shifting attention is an important skill for school. Identify what they are drawn to, and engage your toddler using different modes of learning.