In the Home

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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Patti’s New Year’s Resolutions: 2026

| Patti Webb

Last week, I passed my PMP certification exam. This was my biggest goal from 2025, and I’m so relieved and excited to have that under my belt. Last year (hopefully) was the end of a tumultuous couple retrograde years and I’m happy to put it all in the rear view with something tangible to show for it.

Now that I’m out from underneath the studying, I’m faced with a million different TikToks of young 20-somethings figuring out planners and annual productivity goals for the first time…

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Child(ish) Reads: Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant

| Patti Webb

In December, I usually pick a fun book to review; mostly to whiz through it and have a light-hearted post. This one changed up a bit on me.

Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant: How Nannying for the 1% Taught Me about the Myths of Equality, Motherhood, and Upward Mobility in America by Stephanie Kiser

Blurb: When Stephanie Kiser moves to New York City after college to pursue a career in writing, she quickly learns that her entry-level salary won’t cover the high cost of living―never mind her crushing student loan debt. But there is one in-demand job that pays more than enough to allow Stephanie to stay in the city: nannying for the 1%. Desperate to escape the poverty of her own childhood, Stephanie falls into a job that hijacks her life for the next seven years: a glorified personal assistant to toddlers on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

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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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Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Patti’s Wishlist

| Patti Webb

There are sometimes I think holiday shopping for women is so easy; all you have to do is pay a little attention to detail. We love a little trinket, a little cutesy thing, etc. We like getting gifted things we would’ve bought ourselves anyway, and we love a little field trip.

After the drama of this year, I just want a few of the little things. My wishlist covers the basics (something I want, something I need, something to wear, something to read). Still throwing in a hydrofacial and prep for our next trip in February.

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