Certain conditions such as anemia, excessive use of electronic entertainment, and ADHD can negatively impact a child’s attention span, while involvement in crafts, pet care, and a balanced diet can have a positive effect. Iron deficiency anemia is a main cause of shortened attention span, and ADHD can be improved with medication and therapy. Watching too much TV can also impair a child’s ability to focus.
Under normal circumstances, children’s attention span should improve progressively during the early stages of life. For some, however, certain conditions can cause adverse effects that emerge during a child’s school years and last into adulthood. These factors include anemia, excessive use of electronic entertainment at an early age, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are also, however, factors that can have a positive effect on attention span. Involvement in crafts and activities, pet care and a balanced diet can have a positive effect on children.
One of the main causes of children’s shortened attention span is iron deficiency anemia. This is a condition in which a lack of iron causes a decrease in the amount of blood cells that carry oxygen through the blood. If this condition becomes severe enough, it can impact a child’s attention span and cognitive function.
ADHD is a condition in which children can suffer from inattention and hyperactivity. This is an issue that doctors will check for when it comes to investigating attention deficits in some children. In some cases a doctor may diagnose a child who has only a short attention span as having ADHD, even if hyperactivity is not present. This condition is often improved with the help of medications and some types of therapy.
Watching too much television can negatively impact a child’s attention span. When younger children can watch television or play video games for hours, it can impair their ability to focus as older children. The fast-moving images found on television can overstimulate young minds and create an inability to concentrate during a period when the mind is developing.
Positive steps and activities can be taken to stretch and improve children’s attention span. Bringing a pet home and involving your child in its care is one way to do this. Kids will not only focus on caring for it, but also on playing with the new pet. Participating in arts and crafts also helps improve their ability to pay attention longer by stimulating their minds and encouraging creativity. This includes other activities, such as providing children with adequate play time using toys such as puzzles.
Providing children with a balanced diet can also help solve attention problems. Lack of proper nutrition can shorten a child’s attention span and make it difficult to concentrate. In many cases, having breakfast before school can help children pay more attention during the day.
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