Increasing the Attention Span
Activities to Help Your Child Develop This Important Skill
Oct 17, 2007
If you have ever spent any amount of time at all with a child under the age of 10, you have seen firsthand why the word “exhaustion” was invented. Kids can make you tired just watching them, and keeping them occupied is a completely different feat to be accomplished, especially if the child finds it difficult to focus his or her attention on one subject or activity at a time, for a significant period of time. Here are some activities that should help with increasing the attention span of a child.
Infant Activities
The best time to start developing your child’s ability to focus his or her attention is while he is still an infant. Reading to your baby is one of the best methods known. Talking to your infant is another. It does not matter what you talk about, because while they may not understand the words you are saying, but the sound of your voice and the expressions on your face will keep your baby fascinated for quite a while. Put the baby in a swing or carrier seat, and keep her in whatever room you are in at the time. Talk to her while you make dinner. Read aloud to him from whatever book you are reading. Studies have proven time and again that reading aloud to children of any age stimulates their brain development (The New Read-Aloud Handbook written by Jim Trelease, 1989, Penguin Books and Kids Health.com, October 2005).
Young Children (3 and older) Activities
If your child is older, a good method to use for building his or her attention span is art or craft activities. Kids have an easier time giving their undivided attention to something they enjoy. It would also be extremely beneficial for them if you can sit down with them and participate in the activity. It creates a moment in busy lives for parents to bond with their children, in addition to encouraging the child to give the project the attention it deserves. Discover the areas in which your child shows interest or talent, and encourage those abilities, such as drawing, or building models, sewing, or even coloring for young children. Try different things until you find the ones that your child excels at, and then enjoy his new found confidence in himself.
Older Children (5 and up) Activities
Another tried and true way to increase your child’s attention is through giving her responsibility. If possible in your circumstances, (financial, space, health) a pet is an awesome way for kids to learn many things, one of which is to focus on something besides themselves completely. They also learn to be more loving, responsible, and proud of themselves. If a pet is not an option for your family, then giving the child a chore for which he can earn a privilege, or an allowance also teaches him respect and appreciation and responsibility, and how to focus his attention.
Every child is unique, but most will eventually stop jumping from one thing to another every minute. And there are ways that you can speed that process along. Love, patience, encouragement, and more patience are the most important tools you will need.
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