Children’s Day 2025: Doctor Shares Easy Tips to Help Kids Focus Better

As Children’s Day 2025 approaches, a senior doctor from Apollo Hospitals has shared simple and helpful advice for parents who are worried about their children’s short attention span. Today’s kids are surrounded by screens, and this has made many of them more distracted and restless than before.

Dr Shekhar Patil, a senior neurologist who treats both adults and children at Apollo Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, explained that screen addiction is one of the biggest reasons children struggle to focus. He said that many kids spend long hours on tablets, phones, and TVs. These screens show fast-moving videos, sounds, and games that make real-life activities seem slow and boring. This can affect a child’s ability to finish tasks and pay attention in school or during playtime.

Dr Patil said that parents often allow more screen time because it keeps children busy and quiet. But this habit can slowly reduce a child’s physical activity, hurt their eyes, and make their attention span much shorter. Many children today find it difficult to sit still, listen, or complete even simple tasks without getting distracted.

To help parents deal with this problem, Dr Patil shared five simple tips to improve a child’s focus. One of the most important tips is to cut down screen time. He explained that too much exposure to screens can overload a child’s brain with fast information. This makes it harder for them to pay attention to everyday activities like reading, writing, or playing outside.

Instead of giving screens to children, Dr Patil advised parents to encourage hands-on activities. These include drawing, coloring, reading storybooks, playing with building blocks, or spending time outdoors. Activities like these help children use their imagination and focus for longer periods.

Dr Patil also said that parents should set clear daily limits for screen use. Making a routine helps children understand when they can use screens and when they need to do other activities. He added that replacing screen time with real-world engagement can have a big positive impact on a child’s mind.

He said that small steps can make a big difference. By reducing screens and adding creative or physical activities, parents can help children improve concentration, stay calmer, and develop healthier habits.

As Children’s Day is a time to celebrate kids, Dr Patil reminded parents that helping children build strong focus and healthy habits today will support their learning and growth for many years to come.