Concentration

[PeachBaby]

My understanding is that concentration is an important thing to instill in a child. Since children learn by observing, how can I help my lo to develop concentration when I have so many things to do and MUST multitask? (I do spend time with DS, but while doing that, I am finding I must even multitask while doing that.)

[sapphire_chan]

Well you could start off by spending time just focusing on him. Yeah, it's really hard when there's a million things, but it really does help kids to be okay with you doing other stuff if they've had some time that's all theirs first.

And even only giving her that every other day when I'm trying hard and once a week when I'm not trying , dd can concentrate quite well on tasks--if I don't interrupt her.

[Lillianna]

I think sapphire_chan hit the nail on the head with her last comment. Children are born with an innate ability to concentrate. The youngest infants concentrate for long periods on people's mouths as they speak, they concentrate on objects and movement. As they grow older, the ability diminishes as they have more abilities and begin to move about. This ability needs to be protected and nurtured - but it is already there! Providing engaging activities that a child can control (choosing, taking ownership and returning) and then not being interrupted (one reason for 3 hour work cycle) are the keys.