As parents, we want to give our babies every opportunity to develop and grow into curious and capable individuals. One of the most important skills for a growing child is the ability to concentrate. Concentration enables children to learn and interact with their environment more effectively. While some babies may seem to have a natural ability to concentrate, others may need a little help. In this blog, we will discuss some simple yet effective tips to help develop your baby’s concentration skills. With patience and practice, you can help your little one become a focused and curious learner.
It sounds crazy to hear but babies know how to concentrate. In reality, it’s us, adults, who need to learn to respect that. We all hate when we’re in the middle of something but we don’t even think twice when we interrupt a child’s play because dinner is ready and they have to come right this second. Or when a baby is quietly observing the fan slowly moving on the ceiling and we suddenly pick them up to change their nappies.
Let’s see how we can help.
1. Don’t interrupt them
It’s important to avoid interrupting a baby’s concentration whenever possible. When a baby is focused on a particular task or toy, they are building their attention span and developing their ability to concentrate. Interrupting them can break their concentration and make it harder for them to refocus. This can be frustrating for both the baby and the parent. Instead, try to give your baby space to concentrate and explore their environment. By respecting your baby’s concentration and allowing them to explore their world, you’re helping them develop important skills for future learning and growth.
We all know how important it is for language development to talk to our little ones. However, talking has it’s own time. These silent moments are just as important as talking.
2. “Follow the child” (Maria Montessori)
This famous Montessori quote applies to babies as well. Instead of giving them the latest ‘educational toy’ or directing their attention, let them choose what they want to play with.
What is important here is that we consider the level of difficulty of the material we give them. If it’s too easy then they get bored quickly. If it’s too hard then they give up. Observe your little one to see what they are interested in and choose age and skill appropriate materials.
Having accessible Montessori material is the key here. Read this Ultimate Guide to Montessori shelves if you’re interested.
3. Repetition
Have you noticed how children just love repeating actions? I once actually counted how many times my niece slid down on a quirky slide when we went to a new playground. 19 times!!
Repetition plays a key part in helping brain growth. By doing something again again (and again!), the neurons grow stronger, which makes it easier to concentrate.
4. Offer your baby passive, open-ended toys
Passive or open ended toys are the ones that require a child to actually do something with them in order to play with them. Think of building blocks. As babies use their senses to learn about the environment, these objects give them opportunities for exploration and for using their motor skills. All we need to give them is uninterrupted time to do so.
5. No videos or TV under 2 years
When your baby is playing, try to minimize distractions around them. Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and create a quiet space where they can focus. This helps your baby to concentrate better and to develop the skill of focusing on one thing at a time.
Here’s a book about a thorough study about the effect of the TV on children’s mind.
6. Observe your baby in order to aid baby’s concentration skills
It might sound crazy for an adult to hear but babies are NEVER bored. If you take a few minutes to sit and observe your little one, you’ll soon realise that they always do something. Looking at the shadow of a plant on the wall. Observing their own hands. Watching the dust slowly whirling in the light.
There’s always a moment, a break in their concentration, when they stop and turn away, maybe even look at you. This is the time to ask to pick them up and tell them that you’re going to change their nappy now.
Sometimes there’s simply no time for this as we have to get to an appointment or have other errands to run, but whenever we can, let’s try to give babies some uninterrupted time to concentrate and work towards a self-appointed goal. Remember, the longer their focus, the most likely to achieve that goal.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Developing your baby’s concentration skills is an essential part of their growth and development. As parents, we can help our little ones build their focus and attention span by not interrupting them, following their interest, allowing them to repeat activities, providing age-appropriate toys, minimizing distractions and observing them. Remember that every child develops at their own pace, so be patient and keep practicing these techniques. By doing so, you’ll be setting your baby up for success as they grow and learn.
Click here to read about how the Montessori Visual Mobiles, the Montessori Tactile Mobiles, or the Sensory Baby Toys help your baby’s development.
To the montessoriedited.com owner, Your posts are always interesting.
Thank you! Glad to have you on board.