Kids have a curious soul that pairs with unmatchable energy. No doubt, it is something that defines one of the most natural characteristics of childhood. But, some of them at times, simply lag when it comes to focusing and sitting in one place. One might have heard parents getting worried because their kids are too distracted to finish any work in one go.
At a young age, it is normal to have short attention spans. Because with the passing of years, attention spans by age develop. But, what is alarming is when that development does not occur at the pace it should. In this article, you will know about attention spans and how to boost them in kids.
Average Attention Spans in Different Ages
Experts suggest that average attention spans in kids should increase by 2-3 minutes every year. As kids grow up, their attention and focus also develop and mature.
Here is a list of the average attention spans below. Notice how the focus span gradually increases with an increase in age.
- A 2 years old toddler can focus on a single task for no more than 4-6 minutes.
- A 6-year-old kid has an increased span and should be able to focus on a task for more than 12-18 minutes.
- A 10-year-old kid has a more developed focusing ability and can concentrate for more than 20-30 minutes.
- A 16 years old teenager can hold their attention span for more than 32-48 minutes.
These are not stats but are results from research made by child experts. These experts also suggest that sometimes the average focus span for toddlers might also be more than two to three minutes. It depends on various stimulating factors that work as distractions.
While some kids are capable enough of handling distractions, some are not. And that is where parents need to work on boosting their kids’ focus and concentration.
Practical Tips on Boosting Attention Span in Kids
Children having low concentration and attention might not always be the prey of distractions. Child experts suggest that there can be other reasons too that make them struggle to focus on a particular matter.
Here are some tips that have proven helpful for many kids –
Figure out what causes the inattention
Failing repeatedly to concentrate or be attentive to a given topic can be due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common ones that kids regularly face include:
- A lack of interest in the topic
- Finding the topic to be too dull or uninteresting
- Daydreaming
- Failing to sit still and focus on the topic
- Facing difficulties in following the given instructions
- Having learning disabilities like dyslexia, and ADHD
Each of the points above has a different cure and solution. Once parents figure out what their kid is dealing with, treating the inattention problem will be easier.
Treat Learning Disabilities
Child experts opine that learning disabilities are sometimes a result of improper brain functioning. When a kid’s brain does not develop at its normal pace, there can be various issues like ADHD (Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder). While most people think the remedy to such a disorder is diagnosis and applying medications, it is not the only way.
Kids should be enrolled and introduced to brain and body wellness programs. Institutions that provide these programs have specialists and experts who communicate with kids to find the root of the disorder. They hunt down potential reasons for kids’ lower attention spans and work on fixing them.
Most kids and teenagers who have undergone such wellness programs have shown better concentration while working on cognitive and physical tasks. Besides that, parents have found that –
- Kids showing positive signs in learning and overall behavior
- Teens have a better mood and lower anxiety levels
- Children developing comprehension and problem-solving skills
Therefore, treating learning disabilities seems flawless when kids join a brain-body wellness program.
Breaks in between Long Study Hours
The most probable reason why most kids fail to hold on to their long study hours is out of boredom. Contrary to popular belief, making a young kid sit in one place for hours with books does not boost their concentration power. Kids lose their focus and motivation when their study hours start to overwhelm them.
That is why parents and teachers should allow them to take quick breaks after every 10-20 minutes of a task. It simply rejuvenates their energy and will to continue studying.
The Conclusion
The first way to develop attention spans by age is to trace what is causing the inattention. Because half of the solution is only in finding the cause. However, if they are unable to determine the cause, parents can connect with institutions organizing brain-body wellness programs for children. These programs assess and evaluate the problems better and work on eliminating them even without medications. Look for a trusted company providing these services around you.