Resource Library

Understanding Attention Span in the Early Years

Attention Span in Toddlers: What are Reasonable Expectations?
Parents may want to know the average length of time a toddler should be expected to pay attention to a task or learning experience. One concept to remember for all children is motivation. When a child is highly motivated to watch an older sibling engaged in an interesting or new activity, the child might pay attention, or attend, for an amazing amount of time in comparison to listening to a story read when there are the distractions of other children, such as story time at the library. Realistically, children, ages 15-30 months, attend for 10-15 minutes when highly motivated. The complexity of the task also matters as a demanding task may require so much concentration that attention cannot likely continue for more than 5-7 minutes. (Taking short breaks to engage in a physical activity allows the toddler to discharge some of the tension of a demanding task and be refreshed to try again.)

When teaching a new concept, activity or skill, “chunking” or learning in small tidbits, allows the toddler to enjoy the social experience as well. (For example, when teaching how to turn pages in a book, begin with thick pages and role model care of books. As the child shows understanding, add books with thin pages and model again the care of books with thinner pages. If he or she does not demonstrate understanding, continue to model until the child does show the skill is learned.) Also, spending time with the most significant person in a young child’s life – the parent – creates a positive experience when doing something new. This positive interaction reinforces the desire to learn and the learning of a new skill should be balanced by the reinforcement of this positive attention. Children seek attention from their main caregivers so attention span can be extended by the motivation of doing something new with someone familiar (most likely the parent).

Recognizing a toddler’s individual strengths and interests should also be incorporated into this process. For example, if the toddler enjoys trains, use trains as the theme for learning about colors. Use the different colors of a play set so that he or she can point or play with each car as the parent names colors. Then pick a color of the week and, as an example, have him or her hand you the blue car for several play sessions until the skill is mastered. Then move on to the next color. You can expand the skill by exploring the house to find other blue items in the house such as daddy’s shirt, sister’s book bag or blueberries in the refrigerator. If the toddler enjoys music, sing while encouraging cleaning up or practicing dressing skills. 

Be creative by using your talents as a parent. Perhaps you enjoy cooking; if so, involve your toddler in simple meal preparation such as washing veggies for the salad. If you enjoy gardening, provide a child-size wheelbarrow and gardening tools and demonstrate seed planting. Remember that the time spent with you as the parent is just as important, if not more so, than the activity to be learned. Positive attention from the parent shows the child that not only is the learning experience important, but the child is important to you as the parent. The attention span is strengthened by the strong relationship with the parent who is attending to the child.

Attention Span in Preschoolers: What Should Parents Expect?
For preschoolers, attention span will vary by interests and situations. For example, when exploring in a familiar place with a new toy, a child may attend for 15 minutes or more. However, in a distracting place or when others stressors are interfering (illness, hunger, thirst, need to use the toilet), a child may appear distractible or less attentive. Attention can improve with the help of the parent, who provides stability in a familiar setting and evaluates a child’s need to attend to bodily care first.

Learning to play a board game or listen to a story will require patience from the involved parent as the child learns about following directions, paying attention and interacting in a new way. All of these skills develop throughout childhood to increase learning potential and social skills. There are several things to consider when gaining a preschool-age child’s attention:

  • Being attentive to your child’s nature can assist you in finding the time of day and the type of activity that engages your child’s attention. Note if your child is more alert in the morning or afternoon. (Hint: This usually mimics one or both parents.)
  • Find a theme that attracts your child to an activity, such as sports or a favorite character like Dora or Diego. Using something that has already proven to engage your toddler’s attention becomes the link to attaching more information. For example, when the weather warms and heavy coats are packed away, talk about the seasons and use books from the library to provide stories that tell about spring. Then as your child shows interest, have him or her help pack winter clothes and talk about dressing for the weather. Also have the child dress a favorite bear or doll, and then, mommy or daddy can guess which season your child chose by the outfit.
  • Personality also plays a factor. The independent spirit may need to explore on his or her own and have you, as the parent, promote learning by providing the materials. Then be available for answering questions or assisting in problem solving. If your child is more reserved or hesitant, modeling or role-playing can assist in building confidence with new learning experiences.
  • Remember that each child learns at his or her own pace. Parents need to avoid comparing siblings. However, when a family has a particular area of interest such as soccer or camping, and your preschooler seems to be less than enthusiastic, find a task that does engage the child as an active participant. For example, for the “soccer family,” have the preschooler carry the snack bag to the practice field and assign the colored cups for those on the field. If your family enjoys museums and your preschooler seems to be hyperactive every time you attempt to see a new exhibit, give the child a sketchpad to record an interpretation of that famous artist.

Importance of Paying Attention to a Child’s Attention Span
For any child with a seemingly short attention span, assessment of motivation and personal interest will allow parents an opportunity to share new learning experiences without the moment becoming a battle of the wills. To take it a step further, finding creative ways of using teachable moments throughout the day helps children learn that attending provides wonderful opportunities to know and see more of the world. If the child has the positive experience of seeing the first crocus of spring with you or watching the batter that was stirred “turn into” birthday cupcakes, attending becomes a valuable relationship experience.

Remember children will be less attentive when hungry, thirsty, tired or sick. Most importantly, if your child demonstrates constant distractibility in multiple settings, consult your pediatrician or a psychologist for further evaluation.

Return to Previous Page

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.