Concentration games for children: practising attention and impulse control through play

More than you might think. In research on executive functions, both belong to inhibition: when you concentrate, you block out distractions and focus your attention on what matters; when you control your impulses, you hold back a hasty reaction. Sticking with a task even though something else is tempting also counts. Many games in this selection require both at once: looking closely and only acting when it really fits.

Simple reaction games already work for children aged 4 to 6: junior editions are available from age 4. Between the ages of three and five, executive functions and self-regulation develop rapidly, but the younger ones still need a lot of support when learning the rules. Between five and seven, many children increasingly enjoy games with rules, with big differences in interest and ability. So what counts is less the number on the box than whether your child is challenged but not overwhelmed.

That is normal: processing speed increases considerably throughout childhood, so younger children are usually at a disadvantage compared with older children and adults. Even things out, for example by having adults play with one hand behind their back or only letting them grab after a short pause. Junior editions with simpler rules also help. And a child who slaps too early is practising exactly what it is all about: look first, then act.

Nobody can promise that. According to studies, executive functions are linked to reading and arithmetic performance, and practice can improve them, especially when they are challenged regularly and with increasing difficulty. In studies of computer-based training programmes, however, transfer to other tasks often remained limited. If your child has noticeable difficulty concentrating over a longer period, your child's doctor is the right person to talk to; tiredness, stress or worries can also greatly affect concentration.