Squirrel!

“Squirrel!”  It’s the code my friend invokes when her attention (or mine) wander from the subject at hand.  It’s means that, much like a dog scenting a squirrel, we may have missed something.  Test yourself. Check how many “ squirrel” moments you have today.  Or how many “squirrel” incidents you suspect in the people to whom you’re speaking. (This is also an opportunity to check in with your self and ask the age old question “am I boring?”)

Welcome to the “Sesame Street “generation.  Now, I do not denigrate this joyous children’s series with its multi-cultural bag of learning.  In fact, I consider it a true trend-setter with its quick vignettes, splashing colors and multiple subjects.   I do believe Sesame Street provides an early (1969) example, and maybe takes some responsibility for how the pace of our electronic world has changed.  According to a UK research company called YouGov, “the average attention span is now just five minutes and seven seconds, compared to more than 12 minutes a decade ago.” It’s not surprising then, when Wikipedia claims that today’s TV commercial, (around a minute in 1950) lasts 15 seconds as average. In spite of the pace set by media, you can help your child slow down and concentrate.

1)Be realistic. 

In a video study by TubeMogul, after 30 seconds a third of video test audiences were lost, and after a minute more than half!   So at first, front load important information for your kid, and give them complex information over time. (I’m working on a book called “sound-bite parenting.”) If you see shallow breathing and glazed over eyes, just stop.

2) Limit media time.

  

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children under age two shouldn't spend time watching television or using a computer AT ALL. (They have obviously never babysat.) For those over three years old, the AAP and the U.S. Surgeon General say to limit screen time to two hours daily including TV, computers, hand held video games and even all the cool games you have on your smart phone.

3) Introduce long term projects or goals.  

Undertakings that require several sessions and have a distinct and rewarding end point help kids learn to focus and maintain interest over time.  Age appropriate puzzles, craft projects that have more than one step and reading chapter books aloud over time can all be engaging and fun ways to work on attention span.

So, slow it down and stretch it out.  It may help.  If it doesn’t, and you’re worried about your child’s ability to concentrate then take a deep breath and remember that all of our children develop at different rates at different ages.  (My 14 year old still does not like to use a fork, does that count?) If you’re still worried check the loose guidelines available through the AAP, or on accessible websites like www.earlyinterventionsupport.com because knowing earlier will help you pay more and better attention to supporting your kid!