Author: Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Attention Span and Learning

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Before a child can remember a story, solve a problem, or follow a direction, their brain must stay with the task long enough to take it in. Their ability to focus, shift, and sustain attention shapes how well they absorb information, make connections, and build new skills.

However, a growing body of research points to shorter attention spans among young children, especially in the early grades. Studies of children ages 7–12 reveal measurable declines in sustained attention, including a reported 27.4% drop during continuous-focus tasks. Teachers echo these findings, noting that many students now struggle to stay engaged for more than 10–15 minutes. Oh, and did we mention that reading stamina has dropped as well?

We know what you’re thinking. “Surely, this won’t be MY child…”
But then you notice exactly how often you’ve had to repeat or remind or redirect your kid, over… and over…and over again.
And suddenly, “Is this f’n play about us?”

Attention is critical for learning because it’s the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible. Without it, nothing can truly stick.

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Mary’s New Year Resolutions: 2026

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

I’m proud to say that I accomplished most of my resolutions from last year. 2025 became a real reset for me, serving as a chance to recharge and rethink how I want to move through this next phase of life.

This year is about real follow‑through, committing to making progress on the goals I’ve let slide in the past. In the clinic, I used SMART goals to help ensure that care is clear, measurable, and aligned with my clients’ needs:

  • Specific – the goal is clear and focused
  • Measurable – progress can be tracked and know when it’s achieved
  • Achievable – realistic to one’s current capacity and circumstances
  • Relevant – aligns with one’s values and priorities
  • Time-bound – the deadline or time frame for the goal to be met

Using this method for my resolutions, I’m aiming to lock these habits in for good. It’s a lifestyle change; a deliberate break from routines that just don’t fit me anymore.

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Mary’s Favorite Post: 2025

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Reflecting on 2025, I’m pleased with the content we’ve produced throughout the year. While I loved exploring topics like the Boy Brain and the Girl Brain, but my top pick has to be Mary’s School Update: New School, Who’s This?

School consolidations and closures have become increasingly common across the country in recent years, especially in cities that are reaching max capacity. On the flip side, new school construction and redistricting in growing communities can be just as challenging for parents to navigate.

When our school closed and we moved to a nearby one, the transition turned out to be far less daunting than we expected. In fact, the kids adapted more easily than the parents. And through it all, what truly makes a school special remains the same: the teachers, staff, and families that make the community.

Enjoy!

Kids and “Stuff”

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

The holidays have arrived, bringing with them the ritual of gifting wish lists. Yet, as every parent knows, last year’s treasures don’t always stand the test of time. While some presents do become beloved companions and favored sources of entertainment, others unfortunately break, or gather dust, or get lost in the abyss. When asked about it, they simply shrug before adding a nearly identical (and equally useless) toy to next year’s list. UGH! The audacity…

As the season of giving begins, we can’t help but wonder: If kids want these toys so badly, why don’t they care for them? And if they don’t, why ask for them at all?  There must be a good explanation for this, right? Turns out, there is.

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