📚 Ditch the Tablet, Buy More Books: Why Your Child Can't Concentrate

In a world buzzing with screens and digital distractions, it's no surprise that many children struggle with concentration. Parents often ask, “Why can’t my child focus?” The answer is usually closer to home than we think — uncontrolled screen time.

As parents, we juggle so much — work, home, and everything in between. It’s easy to hand over a tablet or switch on the TV to keep little ones busy while we catch up on tasks. While it offers short-term relief, the long-term impact on a child’s ability to concentrate can be profound.

The Problem with Too Much Screen Time

Devices are designed to entertain, stimulate, and keep the brain in a constant state of excitement. This makes it harder for children to slow down, pay attention, and concentrate — especially on tasks that don’t offer the same fast-paced stimulation.

But it doesn’t stop there. Overexposure to screens also:

• Affects social skills — Kids become less interested in face-to-face interaction.

• Reduces interest in other activities — They lose curiosity in books, art, and outdoor play.

• Encourages rushing through tasks — Children may do homework or chores quickly and carelessly just to get back to a screen.

  
  

What You Can Do: Set Boundaries That Build Focus

Start with this simple but powerful shift:

• Limit screen time strictly. Use timers and enforce boundaries. Don’t be afraid to say “no.”

• Keep screens for weekends only, and even then, limit the hours.

• Replace screen time with reading, puzzles, crafts, and play — activities that promote imagination and sustained attention.

• Lead by example. Children model what they see — if you read more, they will too.

Start the Shift Today

📘 Order early reading books via our website:https://www.ntombibhengu.com/category/early-reader-books

👨‍👩‍👦 Join our Parent Workshop on the 28th of June to learn how to teach your child to read and manage screen time:Sign up here

The result?

When screen time is reduced, children begin to rediscover the world around them. Their concentration improves, they become more observant, and they engage more meaningfully in tasks. They get bored — and from boredom comes creativity.

Ditch the tablet and invest in books. Give your child the gift of focus — it’s a gift that will serve them for life.

A close-up of a variety of children's books, encouraging a reading-friendly environment.