Why attention is an important part of learning to talk – and how you can help

An important part of communication is listening to another person – and not being distracted by all the other noises around us. As adults we can do this pretty well (most of the time), but the part of your toddler’s brain that helps them with attention is still developing. You can help.

Attention is more than listening 

Sometimes we use the words attention and listening to mean the same thing – which can make this part of your toddler’s development a bit confusing!  

Attention involves focusing your thinking on an activity, sight, movement or sound. It’s not just being able to see, hear or do something, but thinking about that sight, sound or activity.  

Your toddler can only focus their attention on one thing at a time and finds it hard to change what they are thinking about  

If we’re doing things that are quite familiar, we can pay attention to what someone is saying and what we’re doing at the same time. If you’re learning something new or being given complicated information that might not be the case!  

For your toddler, they really can only focus their attention on one thing.  

So, if they’re playing and you speak to them, they might not seem to hear (or you might feel they’re ignoring you). That is probably not the case – they just can’t focus on both doing and listening, and find it hard to shift their attention. 

Helping your toddler to switch their attention 

When you’re talking to your toddler, make sure you have their attention before you start to speak.  

Be playful when you’re gaining their attention – vary the tone and pitch of your voice so they can hear you’ve got something exciting to say.  

Be patient – remember your toddler might find it hard to move from doing to listening, so give them time to be ready to listen.  

If you’re concerned about your toddler’s hearing, have a chat with your doctor or health visitor.