Many parents complain that their children "can't sit still" — looking around during homework, wanting a drink one moment, and needing the toilet the next. However, children's attention spans are naturally much shorter than adults', and this is a perfectly normal developmental stage.
The Relationship Between Age and Attention Span
Psychologists have conducted extensive research and found that a child's attention span (known as "sustained attention" for children, as opposed to "attention span" for adults) is roughly their age multiplied by 2 to 3 minutes. For example:
- 5-year-old children: approximately 10–15 minutes
- 8-year-old children: approximately 16–24 minutes
- 12-year-old children: approximately 24–36 minutes
So expecting a first-grader (aged six to seven) to concentrate on homework continuously for thirty minutes does not align with developmental norms.
How to Help Children Extend Their Attention Span
First, break homework into small segments. For example, if there are three pages of vocabulary to write, you could structure it as "write one page, rest for five minutes, then write the next page."
Second, reduce environmental distractions. Turn off the television during homework and put tablets away.
Third, use a timer. Letting children see the countdown gives them more motivation to "finish."
When to Be Concerned
If a child's attention difficulties significantly affect their learning and daily life — for example, if they are almost completely unable to focus at school, or if they are much older yet still have a very short attention span — parents may wish to speak with the school counsellor to discuss whether an assessment might be needed.