This is excruciating as a parent. All that money, all that set up - for 5 minutes of play?
"Next behaviour" is a term we use to describe a pattern observed in children where they engage with a toy or activity for only a brief period before quickly losing interest and moving on to something else.
This can result in a cycle of constant switching between activities, leading to a lack of sustained focus and deeper engagement. If you have ever asked "How have we played with every toy and done every activity already?" keep reading.
Signs of "Next Behaviour"
Short Attention Span - The child spends only a few minutes with a toy or activity before moving on.
Lack of Deep Play - The child does not engage in imaginative or extended play sessions with any particular toy.
Restlessness - The child appears easily bored and is always looking for something new to do.
Frustration - The child may show signs of frustration or dissatisfaction with the toys or activities available.
The Solution to "How have we played with every toy and done every activity already?"
One effective solution to counteract "next behaviour" is to ensure that children have access to truly open-ended toys.
Open-ended toys are those that can be used in multiple ways, encouraging creativity, imagination, and prolonged engagement.
These toys do not have a fixed way to play, allowing children to explore and create their own ways of interacting with them. Longer engagement, deeper play, less frustration and restlessness.
Could it be the toys? See our 9 Step Checklist to assess your current toys.
We hope this helps you assess your current toys and see if they are the reason your child may have a short attention span and is not engaging in deep play. If you are finding yourself answering ‘no’ to a lot of these questions, your toys may be the reason your child is showing ‘next behaviour’.
Our kiddies deserve resources and tools (toys) that will encourage creativity and prolonged engagement.
BUT remember … just because you may have some toys that are open-ended doesn’t mean you don’t need to put in any work.
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