What happens to toddlers' attention span when complexity increases in their learning environment?

As toddlers encounter more complex stimuli in their learning environment, their ability to maintain focus often becomes challenged, leading to a decrease in their attention span. This is primarily because toddlers are still developing their cognitive abilities and are naturally curious, which makes them more susceptible to distractions in a stimulating environment. When presented with tasks or activities that require greater cognitive effort or understanding, they might struggle to stay engaged, as their limited experience and developmental stage can make it difficult for them to process more complicated information.

Consequently, creating a balance between stimulating and manageable tasks is crucial in fostering appropriate developmental growth. While exposure to complexity is important for learning, it must be scaffolded carefully to align with toddlers' developmental readiness, allowing them to build attention span gradually.