How to Teach Focus to a Toddler

The ability to focus is a crucial skill for all toddlers. It is a skill he will rely on throughout his childhood, particularly as he enters preschool and the classroom. It is essential for interacting with parents, siblings, other toddlers and, later in his development, teachers and other people he encounters in the larger community. Nearly all toddlers can learn focus with the help of their parents.

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak to your toddler at his level. Instead of talking down to your toddler from your normal height, crouch, kneel or sit on the ground so that you are right next to him. Speak to him in a clear, kind tone of voice while making direct eye contact with him.

    • 2

      Allow your toddler to play with toys, look at books and engage in safe activities that she expresses an interest in, without interrupting her. This will help her learn focus at the same time she is building confidence in herself.

    • 3

      Establish a steady daily routine. Toddlers naturally crave a sense of order in the world and want to know they expect a consistent pattern in their day-to-day life. This helps them learn to focus and to develop a sense of security so they can move on to the next stage of their development.

    • 4

      Speak to your toddler in a kind, humorous manner if you have to discipline or motivate him. Sing to him and smile at him. Make it a moment of learning rather than punishment. Remember that as your toddler's role model, you must be wise and respectful. This will create an environment that engenders learning.

    • 5

      Read lots of books to your toddler about topics she is familiar with as well as subjects that are new to her. Play a reading game with your toddler in which you read all of a sentence but the final word and have him fill in the blank. This will help him focus on the tasks of reading and listening.

    • 6

      Sing songs to your toddler that require him to focus on the patterns of the lyrics, such as "Old MacDonald" and the alphabet song. This helps with focus, listening and attention skills.

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