Does Your Child Seem to Have a Short Attention Span? Here's What May Be Behind It

Does your child have trouble staying focused on a single task? Do they seem to be easily distracted or jump from activity to activity? These could be signs of a short attention span. Attention span is the amount of time someone can concentrate on a single task without getting distracted. All kids can occasionally struggle with focus, especially since they’re still learning and growing. If your child seems to be consistently struggling to stay focused, it could be a sign of something more. Understanding what may be causing a short attention span can help you better support your child. 

Signs of a short attention span

If you’re concerned about the potential of your child having a short attention span, you may want to watch for things like:

• Difficulty completing tasks — Your child may start tasks but get distracted and not finish them often. 
• Frequent distractions — Even the smallest thing can easily throw off your child’s focus. 
• Impatience — Your child may become frustrated or annoyed easily when things don’t go how they expect. 
• Trouble following directions — Your child may have a hard time understanding or remembering directions for tasks. 
• Trouble listening — Your child may seem to “zone out” or get lost in their daydreams, even while you’re talking to them. 
• Restlessness or fidgeting — Your child may move around a lot, tap their feet or play with objects instead of staying focused on their task. 

These can be typical behaviors in younger children, but if they are frequent or interfere with their daily life, they could indicate a short attention span.

Average attention span by age

The average attention span should increase as children get older. According to North Carolina A&T State University and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, here are general average attention spans by age:

• 3 years old to 4 years old — Approximately between three and eight minutes 
• 5 years old to 8 years old — Approximately between 12 and 24 minutes
• 9 years old to 11 years old — Approximately between 20 and 30 minutes
• 12 years old to 14 years old — Approximately between 25 and 40 minutes
• 15 years old to 18 years old — Approximately up to 48 minutes

Remember, these are just averages, and individual children may vary. The times can vary depending on the child and the task they’re doing. Kids who are doing an activity they’re interested in will likely focus longer and be more likely to struggle to stay focused on things they find boring or challenging. 

What can be behind a child’s short attention span?

There can be many reasons why a child may have a short attention span, and it’s not just about needing to “try harder.” Factors that could be behind your child’s short attention span include:

• Fatigue — Lack of sleep can make it hard for your child to concentrate. If your child isn’t getting enough quality rest, their brain may be struggling to stay focused. 
• ADHD — ADHD is a common condition that affects a person’s focus, self-control and other behaviors. Kids with ADHD can struggle with paying attention, sitting still or completing tasks. 
• Technology overload — Excessive screen time can make it harder for your child to focus on other activities. Fast-paced videos and games can train their brain to expect constant stimulation, which can make regular tasks seem boring. 
• Autism spectrum disorder — If your child has autism, they may have a hard time with their attention, especially if they’re overwhelmed by sensory input or struggling to communicate. 
• Learning disabilities — If your child has a learning disability, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia, they can have a hard time focusing, especially when doing schoolwork. 
• Head injury — If your child has experienced a concussion or other head injury, it can affect their concentration, memory and attention span. 
• Mental health conditions — Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can affect your child’s ability to focus. Anxiety can cause their mind to race, making focusing challenging. Depression can cause them to lose interest and motivation, which can affect their attention span. 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — If your child has OCD, they may struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that distract them from what they’re supposed to be doing. 
• Trauma — Past trauma or a high-stress situation can have a significant impact on your child’s attention span and ability to focus. 

Tips to help your child improve their short attention span

If your child seems to be struggling with a short attention span, there are a variety of ways you can help them improve it, including:

• Create a routine — Having a consistent routine can help your child know what to expect and make transitions between their tasks easier. 
• Minimize distractions — Create a quiet and organized space that’s free from TV, loud noises or other distractions so they can have a peaceful space to work. 
• Break down tasks — Big tasks can be overwhelming. Break down your child’s big tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help them stay focused and give them a sense of accomplishment when they complete each step. 
• Encourage breaks — Taking a short break can help give their brain a rest and reset attention. Getting regular exercise can also help improve their attention and concentration. 
• Use positive reinforcement — Praise your child for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small the accomplishment. Positive reinforcement can help encourage good behavior. 
• Limit screen time — Try to balance your child’s screen time with other activities that require more concentration, like reading, puzzles or playing outside. 
• Promote healthy habits — Make sure your child gets enough quality sleep, eats a nutritious diet and stays active. Having good physical health helps support better focus and attention. 
• Seek professional help — If you’re concerned about your child’s short attention span and it’s having a significant impact on their daily life, consider consulting with a healthcare provider, educational specialist or Executive Function skills coach. 

Nurture your child’s attention with the help of Beyond BookSmart 

An Executive Function skill like focus plays an important role in a student’s work routine that will benefit them both now and in their future endeavors. Executive Function skills can be applied for any student’s success because they can be both taught and learned.

At Beyond BookSmart, we help students hone their Executive Function skills by personalizing our Executive Function coaching services to their individual needs, learning differences and emotional challenges.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.