In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the attention spans of human beings, particularly among children. The average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2023.  Did you know that even notoriously ill-focused goldfish has an attention span of 9s. This reduction in attention span is largely due to the rise of technology and social media, which bombard us with constant stimulation and distractions. The impact of this on children is particularly worrying, as they are still developing their brains and learning how to focus. Children who are constantly bombarded with stimuli are more likely to have shorter attention spans and difficulty concentrating on tasks. 

This shortened concentration can have far-reaching consequences on their cognitive development, academic performance, and overall well-being. Educational settings and parents alike are faced with the challenge of finding innovative ways to engage children in activities that promote sustained concentration and deeper thinking, ultimately shaping their ability to navigate an increasingly fast-paced and complex world.

There are a number of things that parents and educators can do to help children develop longer attention spans. These include limiting screen time, providing opportunities for unstructured play, and teaching children how to focus and concentrate.

Here are a few instances illustrating how technology and social media can influence cognitive focus:

• The constant stream of notifications and updates on our phones and computers can make it difficult to focus on anything for long. We are constantly being bombarded with new information, which makes it hard to stay on task.
• Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. They use algorithms to keep us scrolling and clicking, even when we're not really interested in what we're seeing. This can lead to us spending hours on social media without even realizing it.
• Video games can also be addictive and can interfere with our ability to focus on other things. When we're playing video games, our brains are constantly bombarded with new stimuli, which makes it difficult to switch gears and focus on something else.

The good news is that there are things we can do to improve our attention spans. Here are a few tips:

• Take breaks from technology. When you're feeling overwhelmed, step away from your phone, computer, or TV and give your mind a break.
• Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you to focus on one task at a time and to be more aware of your thoughts and feelings.
• Get enough sleep. When we're sleep-deprived, our brains are not able to function as well. This can make it difficult to focus and concentrate.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise helps to improve blood flow to the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
• Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet provides your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly.

By following these tips, we can help to improve our attention spans and reduce the negative impact of technology on our brains. Additionally, there exist specific toys and activities designed to facilitate mindfulness practice and enhance both our own and children's capacity for sustained attention.

This captivating picture book, designed for both children and adults, introduces the concept of mindfulness in an enjoyable and engaging manner. The endearing Monkey and his tranquil companion, Happy Panda, lead readers on a charming journey towards a more focused and attentive mind, combining whimsy with warmth to captivate all audiences. With a wealth of experience spanning more than two decades in education, Lauren Alderfer has taught diverse levels, from graduate studies at the SIT Graduate Institute in the USA to primary grades in overseas American schools. Meanwhile, Kerry Lee MacLean, an accomplished author and illustrator of acclaimed picture books like "Moody Cow Meditates" and "Peaceful Piggy Meditation," brings her expertise to this project. Kerry, a mother of five young adults who have embraced meditation, imparts her wisdom through family meditative arts workshops across continents. The narrative follows Monkey, initially plagued by a restless "Monkey Mind," until he encounters the playful and enigmatic Happy Panda. Under Panda's guidance, Monkey learns to find contentment in the present moment, a lesson underscored by the phrase "doing what you're doing while you're doing it."

Promote students' self-awareness, self-management, social understanding, decision-making, and relationship abilities through interactive mindfulness exercises. This set encompasses 39 diverse activities alongside clear instructions, facilitating both individual and collaborative participation. These mindfulness activity cards are a valuable resource encouraging children to contemplate various scenarios and subjects, fostering meaningful conversations and vital life skills. Tailored for students and kids, these activities are geared towards enhancing communication and skill-building. Ideal for grades 1-5, these tools offer a comprehensive approach to nurturing emotional intelligence and personal growth.

Experience the transformative power of mindfulness with this comprehensive boxed card deck comprising 50 engaging activities, visualizations, and exercises, thoughtfully divided into five categories. Designed to foster grounding, calmness, focus, loving-kindness, and relaxation in children, each practice is expertly presented through whimsical, dual-sided cards featuring step-by-step instructions and vibrant illustrations by Mina Braun. The inclusive nature of these activities is highlighted through tips on the cards and an accompanying 8-page instructional booklet, ensuring accessibility for children of all abilities. Praised by Tillywig Toy & Media Awards for its impact on both children and adults, this resource provides a diverse range of playful tools for inner strength and peace. Notably, illustrator Mina Braun's charming drawings promote inclusivity and accessibility. The card format enables flexible use, whether with a child, classroom, or even for short sessions. Whitney Stewart, the author, brings her wealth of experiences, including interviews with the Dalai Lama, into her work, while Mina Braun's artistic journey from Germany to Scotland and now Berlin adds a unique touch to the illustrations. This compilation truly captures the essence of mindfulness, making it an invaluable asset for both young minds and grown-ups seeking tranquility and growth.

 Discover a wealth of mazes in varying levels of difficulty and settings within "Mindful Mazes," offering over 150 captivating challenges. Start your mindfulness journey with uncomplicated designs and numerical puzzle identifiers, minimizing distractions on your path towards completion.

Navigate through intricate and winding mazes while staying rooted in the present moment, enhancing your sense of centeredness. A convenient answer key at the book's conclusion ensures a satisfying resolution to each maze.

The ideal gift for children aged 6 to 14, this play and learning kit offers a screen-free, engaging experience. Featuring 153 parts and a 120-minute build time, it fosters STEAM concepts encompassing aerodynamics, hydraulics, and scissor mechanisms. With longer gameplay, it captivates kids with innovative, educational construction. These STEM toys promote brain and behavioral development, ensuring lifelong learning skills. Designed for easy assembly without glue or tools, the kit includes instructional materials and videos. Certified safe in 30+ countries, this internationally-acclaimed brand offers a free lifetime parts replacement guarantee. Sourced from sustainable vendors, these durable toys provide an eco-friendly and child-friendly experience, endorsed by 6 million parents and children across the globe. Welcome to the future of sustainable and engaging play.