Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
If you’ve spent any time with a toddler, you’ve probably seen how quickly their attention shifts from one thing to the next. One minute, they want to play with a ball, the next minute, they’re running away to find their toy train.
Toddlers are always on the go. That’s typical and expected since attention is a skill that takes time for children to develop. However, as toddlers grow older, their attention span should increase.
In this article, we explain the typical attention span for toddlers by age, along with how you can help your child build their attention skills. We also cover the signs of a possible attention-related medical diagnosis, such as ADHD.
What is a typical attention span for a toddler?
Many parents wonder how long a toddler should be expected to pay attention. Here are the typical attention spans for toddlers and young preschoolers by age:
Age 16-19 months: About 2 to 3 minutes of attention per structured task is considered normal.
Age 20-24 months: About 3 to 6 minutes per task is considered normal.
Age 25-36 months: About 5 to 8 minutes is typical.
These short timeframes probably sound reasonable. But when you’re in the moment trying to get your toddler to complete a task, it can feel frustrating if they won't pay attention. That’s why it’s so important to know these developmental expectations. That way, you won’t expect your toddler to do more than they’re ready to do.
When should I be worried about my child’s attention span?
If your growing child has persistent trouble paying attention, or their attention issues cause problems in their daily routine, talk with your pediatrician. They may suggest you see another healthcare professional or a therapist.
If you’re concerned about your child’s attention span, it’s natural to wonder what could be the cause. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, learning disorders, and mental health conditions such as anxiety can all lead to challenges with attention.
It’s important to note that autism can be diagnosed in toddlers, although some children don’t receive a diagnosis until they’re older. This article explains possible signs of autism in toddlers and how a diagnosis is made.
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention. Let’s take a closer look at some signs of ADHD to be aware of.
How do I know if my child has ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 11% of children ages 4 to 17. Many people with ADHD have symptoms such as the following:
Difficulty focusing on a specific task
Forgetfulness or problems with memory
Acting without thinking
Impatience or trouble waiting their turn
Struggling with impulse control
High amount of energy or activity
Interrupting or speaking at inappropriate times
Trouble following instructions
Fidgeting or squirming in their seat
Some of these signs of ADHD might sound like typical toddler behavior! This is one reason ADHD is rarely diagnosed before a child is 4 years old. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in school-aged children, usually around ages 6 or 7. At this age, the child has grown past the toddler stage of shorter attention spans. They’re in new environments like school, where there are higher attention demands. If a child is having difficulty at this point, they may be diagnosed with ADHD.
Is a toddler too young to pay attention in speech therapy?
If your child is enrolled in any classes or therapy, such as speech therapy, it’s normal for their short attention span to show up there. Classes and sessions are more structured activities. When your child needs to follow someone’s directions or interact with them in some way, their attention may not always hold.
It’s important to keep developmental expectations in mind, so you don’t expect your toddler to do more than they’re ready to do.
Speech therapy can be hugely helpful for babies and toddlers who need support with their communication skills. In fact, the earlier therapy begins, the faster they can make progress. Your child may need some time to get used to this type of structure. However, your speech therapist should be experienced in working with young children, and therapy is typically play-based at this age. Toddlers and preschoolers may not even realize they’re doing “work” in therapy because it’s disguised as play.
At Expressable, we’d never expect a toddler to sit and pay attention to a screen for 30 minutes! Your speech therapist will also focus therapy sessions on you, the caregiver – showing you how to help your child, so you can practice with them at home between sessions. That’s why parent involvement in speech therapy is so important.
How to help your toddler build their attention skills at home
There are things you can do to help your toddler increase their attention span. Let’s walk through an example. Say you want your child to stay seated with you as you read a book together. Here are a few things you could try:
Pick an ideal time of day. Don’t try to read together when your child is hungry for lunch or cranky after a long afternoon.
Keep distractions to a minimum. Turn any screens off, and look at the book in a quiet place.
Show that you’re interested in the activity. When your child sees that you’re engaged, they may feel the same way.
Follow your child’s lead. You’re likely to get better attention from them when the activity is something they’re excited about. If they want to talk about the picture on the page, even though you’re reading the words in the book, it’s OK to pause the story. Comment on what they’re noticing and spend some time talking about that. Then you can get back to the story.
Try some physical movement beforehand. Sometimes running around outside or doing some heavy work can help your child get ready to sit and focus.
You can apply these same tips to any activity you’re trying to complete with your child.
What to do if you’re concerned about your child’s attention
If you’re noticing attention issues in your toddler, try to keep it in perspective. Chances are, it’s part of typical childhood development. At the same time, it’s important to listen to your gut. Talk with your pediatrician if you have concerns.
Children who struggle with attention may also have issues with communication. You can take our free online screener to find out if your child’s communication skills are on track or if a speech evaluation would be helpful. If your child needs extra support, the sooner they can start, the better!
