Squirrel! Your Toddler's Short Attention Span
One minute your child is playing with a toy. The next, he’s off into the kitchen for a snack! Toys forgotten, he runs outside to chase the butterflies in your backyard.
It’s not you — your toddler really does have a short attention span. And it’s not all bad, either!
Let’s uncover some of the possible biological reasons why your toddler is behaving so erratically and contemplate how the Montessori method can help your child learn to focus.
I'm Aubrey Hargis, Montessorian and mom of two. Parenting is not for the faint of heart, but it IS for the BIG of heart. When we become parents, in order to help our children grow and learn, our hearts have to grow - and quickly - so that we can keep up.
There are a lot of challenges that every family faces, and they are solved with LOVE. A love that comes deep from within and does not hesitate to re-evaluate whether it's on the right track.
In fact, it's our duty to guide children with our hearts and be open to new experiences, because education is a journey we take with our children, and the opportunities for learning start over every day.
Hello, sweet friends!
Welcome back to the Child of the Redwoods podcast. We are here to strengthen your Montessori muscles! I’m here today as a Montessori teacher...but PRIMARILY as a Montessori mother!
I have two boys, 9 & 12. I have followed with wonder each of their quirks and habits—because our job as parents is to follow the child and their development to see the drive behind each behavior.
My membership program, Constellation, is now open to students and Alumni of Homeschool of the Redwoods. We are focused on supporting parents deeply as they continue to move through their homeschooling journey.
This month’s explorations are all about Petals; how to share flowers with your child and also looking at blooming as a metaphor for the child’s development and yours. (7:20)
A question from a mama (9:00)
"My young toddler is very independent and content to play on his own with his wooden toys or stuff liying around the house, but I noticed he only ever spends maybe 5-10 min on each activity, I’m wondering about his attention span and wondering how long should he be able to concentrate on an activity? And how can I help him learn to focus?"
I so love this question! Let’s dive in!
Here’s what you need to know: Toddlers...don't really get bored!
They don't have long attention spans. In fact, 5-8 minutes is the norm for a 2 year old (10:15) If your child falls into that range, you’re golden!
Time also passes differently for children than it does for us. (12:06) You know how adults say, “Time flies”? Despite never wanting to leave the playground, it doesn’t seem to for children. Five minutes might feel like an hour for your toddler!
Toddlers also absorb the information that they need from experiences in a shorter period of time (14:30) Five minutes might really be enough.
That being said, are there things we can do to help develop concentration? Absolutely!
Prepare their environment and materials for deep focus. (24:15)
minimal is better than cluttered
simple is better than complicated
toys that allow the child to do the work
distraction-free environment (exa: colors, clothing...)
not interrupt them when working (27:41)
model and let them see you concentrating
support rather than micromanage
stay away from excessive praise
And speaking of praise, if you need some ideas to stop saying “good job” excessively, I have just the list of alternatives for you right here. Hang it on your fridge, tuck it in your purse, or give it to your in-laws.
Finally, a reminder to anyone who is feeling the urge to rush through all this: concentration and focus develops over time!
Gratitude
Today I am grateful for the Moderators of Montessori 101, who work hard to support Montessori parents and keep that group running smoothly.
