For some children, the price of attention is too high, and the frustration of their parents and teachers elevates at a corresponding rate. Some children who do not attend well may have hearing problems, auditory perceptual problems (i.e., difficulty interpreting what they hear), language delays (e.g., poor understanding of directions and words), social/emotional or stress factors interfering, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Regardless of the reasons for poor attention, most children respond to these suggestions which may increase their attention and decrease the frustration of adults in their environment:

Organize the environment by ensuring that toys, clothes, etc. have a designated place.

Encourage the child to play with one toy at a time and replace that toy before choosing another.

Always say the child’s name and wait for eye contact before giving directions.

Use a check-back procedure after giving the child directions. Have the child repeat the directions back to you before beginning the task. This will provide the child with extra feedback to help memory and will help the adult to identify any confusions regarding the child’s memory of the directions.

Provide visual information (e.g., pictures, words) and demonstrations of what needs to be done.

Encourage the child to follow your directions in the order that they were given (e.g., Hang up your coat, then sit on the circle.)

Minimize distractions in the environment. Cheerful music, attractive bulletin boards, and brightly-colored mobiles which hand from the ceiling are positively stimulating for most children but too distracting for children with attention problems.

Change the situation or move the child so that behavior problems and reduced attention do not interfere. Many of these children become agitated from over-stimulation and distractions. Observe carefully and identify changes that may reduce these problems.

Attention problems early in a child’s development can result in significant delays in vocabulary, socialization, listening, and later, reading skills. Continuing attention problems would indicate a need for consulting with the child’s pediatrician regarding a possible referral to a speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or psychologist.