Research shows, however, that babies begin to concentrate while still in the womb (Brooks, 2022). Once they’re born, they can attend for short periods of time and will begin developing their concentration skills without needing any specific help. Thank goodness, right? How would we encourage an infant to concentrate? We’re pretty sure “stay focused” wouldn’t work (not that it does with older children either, right?).The good news is there are some things you can do to naturally encourage your child’s attention span to continue developing.<h1>Attention span of children</h1><h2>Improve attention span by talking</h2>Talk with your child for real purposes. Tell them things you are going to do to and with them. You might say, “Now I’m going to lay you on your back to change your diaper. Let’s unbutton your onesie.” Name the toys you are providing for them. You can say, “Here is your small <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/activity-guide">wooden rattle</a>. It is shaped like a fish.” Name emotions you think they are feeling, “I hear you crying. Let’s go eat.”&nbsp;<h2>Train attention span through play</h2>Playing games with your child that require their concentration is a fun way to help them develop their attention span. Toys like the the <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/activity-guide">Stackable Bowls</a>, and the Stacking Tower or puzzles like the Pincer Grasp Puzzle from our <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en">fox box</a> will help babies and toddlers focus on a task while playing.&nbsp;<h2> Create a <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/ja-raeume-schaffen">YES environment</a> in a child safe space</h2>Establishing a space in your home where the child has the freedom to explore safely and independently promotes concentration. Not only will they feel secure attending to engaging toys in this space, they will be free from the distraction of worried parents and caregivers shouting interrupting “NOs” when they perceive danger. So create a<a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/babysicherheit-im-haus"> baby proof room.</a><h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Observe your child and his attention span</h2>Take time to sit back and just watch your baby. Observing their behavior may reveal that they’re not just laying there, they might be watching the ceiling fan spin or gazing at the light from the window. Watching carefully allows us to see when a child’s concentration breaks and then we can engage with them or take them to a new activity such as a feeding or diaper change without interrupting their attention. In general, the <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/bedeutung-des-spiels">importance of the game</a> should never be underestimated.<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h2>Allow your child to choose</h2>Put most simply, we all are more interested when we are able to choose things on our own. The same is true for children. Allowing your baby to choose what they wish to do rather than directing them to a specific toy or activity will help them develop their attention span. For even the youngest child, presenting them with two toys and watching small movements in their <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/feinmotorik-foerdern">fine motor development</a> or actions to determine a preference can increase concentration by allowing them the freedom to choose.<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h2>Eliminate distractions to improve attention span</h2>Turning off any unnecessary distractions such as the television, screens, and electronic toys can allow your baby to guide and develop their attention. There are many reasons <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/bildschirmzeit-minimieren">why you should minimize your child's screen time</a>, as well as your own.&nbsp;It is equally as important not to encourage distractions during everyday tasks that may feel mundane for adults including diaper changes, baths, and feedings. Try to avoid distracting your child with a toy during this time to just “get the job done” as this teaches them that they should not pay attention to activities they’re involved in.<h4>&nbsp;</h4><h2>Follow the child’s lead</h2>Perhaps the most important thing you can do is follow your child’s lead. Trust that they know when they need something new to focus on in order to develop their skills and continue learning and growing. If it seems they are having trouble concentrating, they may simply need a new challenge or are ready to explore a new interest. Use their likes to captivate them and increase their attention span.Here is our blog post: <a href="https://www.tribu-box.com/en/blog/ursache-wirkung">toys that awaken the fascination of cause and effect.</a>&nbsp;<h2>Rest when they rest</h2>Give yourself the gift of resting during your child’s rest time. You might choose to curl up with a good book, take a warm bubble bath, or do yoga rather than trying to accomplish your never-ending to-do list or getting wrapped up in social media. Slowing down and living in the moment helps your child learn how to do the same, naturally developing their powers of concentration.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;References Baby Plus. (2021). How to boost a child’s focus and attention span. https://babyplus.com/boosting-your-childs-focus-and-attention-span/&nbsp; Brooks, H. (2022). How your baby learns to concentrate. Baby Centre. https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a25015625/how-your-baby-learns-to-concentrate&nbsp; Enfamil. (2020). How to encourage baby attention span. https://www.enfamil.com/articles/how-to-build-baby-attention-span/&nbsp; Lansbury, J. (2010). Baby, interrupted - 7 ways to build your child’s focus and attention span. https://www.janetlansbury.com/2010/04/baby-interrupted-7-ways-to-build-your-childs-focus-and-attention-span/&nbsp; Preschlack, P. L. (2022). Supporting the development of concentration. Montessori.org. https://www.montessori.org/supporting-the-development-of-concentration/&nbsp; &nbsp;

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