Only 8–12 minutes. That’s how long a four-year-old can maintain focus (a rough estimate can be found by multiplying the child’s age by two or three). A video becomes boring after a few minutes, it’s hard to actively participate in conversation, focus on homework, or engage fully in any activity. In a world overflowing with information and constantly changing technology, it’s becoming harder than ever for children to stay focused. Why is this skill so important in today’s world, and how can we help children develop it?
The ability to maintain attention is essential not only in academics but also in everyday life. For example, being able to concentrate makes it much easier to be an active listener and participate in discussions. This skill is also crucial for emotional regulation and problem-solving: when facing difficulties, children learn not to give in to frustration, to continue the task they started, and to patiently and consistently search for solutions.
Board Games
With many activities moving into the digital space, board games serve as a fun and valuable alternative to screen time — and a great way to spend quality time with family.
Most board games last at least half an hour, sometimes even several hours. To win, players must pay attention to opponents’ moves, react to them, and think of solutions in real time. While playing, children learn to wait their turn, follow rules, focus on the game’s progress, and adapt to changing conditions — all of which require patience and sustained attention.
Fine Motor Skills Activities
When engaging in activities that require precision, children learn to concentrate and slowly shift their focus from one step to another in a consistent way. A great example of this is Robotics AI Club’s programmes, which help children develop the ability to focus on one specific task.
During Robotics AI Club sessions, children build robots from numerous small parts of different shapes, sizes, and colors, following detailed instructions. Once assembled, the robots are programmed to perform tasks — for example, moving a set distance, spinning three times, and returning to the starting point.
This activity requires intense focus and attention to detail, but it brings a highly rewarding result: a moving, sensing robot that can complete tasks. At the same time, it steadily develops children’s ability to concentrate.
Robotics offers many benefits — it improves not only attention but also fine motor skills, creativity, logical and engineering thinking. Because learning happens through play, it’s easier to engage children and give them the knowledge and skills they need.
Parental Patience and Leading by Example
To help children develop their ability to concentrate, parents should start by setting the right example. Children tend to imitate their parents’ behavior — so if you find it hard to focus or remain patient in challenging situations, it’s unlikely your children will behave differently.
It’s a common scenario: when parents lose patience, they step in to do the tasks meant for their children. But this habit undermines a child’s confidence, creates unnecessary stress, and reduces motivation and persistence.
Let children come up with their own problem-solving strategies and find answers to their questions — even if it takes more time and the results aren’t perfect at first. Parental patience, encouragement, and a positive example foster self-regulation, which is essential for developing sustained attention.
Daily Physical Activity
Research shows[1] that regular physical activity increases blood and oxygen flow to the brain, boosting various functions including focus and information processing. Physical activity also offers many other benefits: it supports the central nervous system, lifts mood, improves self-confidence, and, of course, enhances physical health and strengthens immunity.
To encourage children to be more active, parents can lead by example by incorporating movement into daily routines: family walks in nature, walking to school or kindergarten when possible, active outdoor games, morning exercise, working out together at home, or even joining a sports club.