What is joint attention?

Joint attention is the shared focus between two people on the same thing. It happens when your child and you both pay attention to an object, activity, or event, and you know that you are paying attention together. Your child might look at a balloon, look back at you, and then look at the balloon again as if to say, “Do you see this too?” That back-and-forth shift of attention is joint attention. It is more than eye contact. It is a three-way connection between your child, you, and the thing of interest.

Why does joint attention matter?

Joint attention is a foundation for learning language, social skills, and play. When children share attention, they are primed to learn new words, copy actions, and understand how conversation works. It supports:

Vocabulary growth (“ball,” “blue,” “big pop”)
Understanding and following directions
Imitation, turn taking, and early problem solving
Social connection and enjoyment with others

When does joint attention typically develop?

Every child is unique, but here is a general roadmap:

Around 6–9 months: Babies begin to follow your gaze and look where you look
Around 9–12 months: Babies start to respond to points and shifts in your eyes and head. They will look at you and then at a toy, and back again.
Around 12–15 months: Children begin to initiate joint attention more often, such as pointing or showing you a toy simply to share it, not only to request it.
By 18 months and beyond: Joint attention becomes more frequent and flexible during play, books, and daily routines.

These ages are ranges, not strict deadlines. Remember every child develops differently.

What does joint attention look like in daily life?

Your child hears the dog bark, looks toward the door, then looks to you as if to say, “Did you hear that?”
Your child points to the airplane in the sky and checks your face to make sure you are looking too.
Your child brings you a book and looks between the pictures and your eyes while you label and comment.

What if my child has a hard time with joint attention?

Some children show less joint attention. You may notice that your child:

Rarely looks between you and an object or event
Uses your hand to get something without looking to your face
Does not follow your pointing or your eye gaze
Prefers to play alone or becomes very focused on objects without checking in with you

What could that mean?

Challenges with joint attention can have several causes, including but not limited to:

Differences in language development
Hearing differences
Vision differences
Temperament or reduced opportunity for face-to-face play
Neurodevelopmental differences, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Difficulties with joint attention do not automatically mean your child has a diagnosis. However, joint attention is an important skill to watch. If you have concerns, speak with your pediatrician and a licensed speech-language pathologist (SLP). Early support can make a meaningful difference.

When should I seek support?

Consider reaching out to your pediatrician and an SLP if, by 12–15 months, your child rarely follows your point, does not look between you and interesting things, or seldom brings or shows items to share. Seek support sooner if you have concerns about hearing or vision.

How to build joint attention at home: core strategies

Get face-to-face. Sit at your child’s eye level so your face and the object are easy to see together. Hold interesting items near your face to encourage a look back to you.
Follow your child’s lead. Join what your child already finds interesting. Comment more than you question.
Use simple, fun language. Short phrases that match the moment work best: “Big bubbles!” “Ready, set, go!”
Pause and wait. After you act or speak, silently count to five. Waiting gives your child space to look, gesture, vocalize, or point.
Exaggerate your facial expressions. Show delight, surprise, or curiosity to make your face worth checking.
Add a gesture. Point, nod, shrug, or place an open palm under the object. Pair your gesture with words.
Celebrate any communication attempt. Treat every glance, point, sound, or body shift toward you as communication. Respond warmly.

Step-by-step activities with scripts

1) Bubble Time “Look-Back” Game

Goal: Encourage your child to look between you and the bubbles.

You need: Bubble solution and a wand.

Steps:

Sit face-to-face. Hold the wand near your face.
Blow a small set of bubbles, then hold the wand still and pause.
Wait for any look toward you, sound, or gesture.
The moment your child looks toward you, respond with excitement and blow again.

Script:

“Ready… set… (pause)… go BUBBLES!”
After bubbles pop: “Want more? (pause, expect a look) You looked at me! More bubbles!”

Tips: Keep the wand near your face when you say “bubble,” so your child naturally shifts attention from bubbles to you.

2) Wind-Up Toy Pause and Share

Goal: Build anticipation and checking in with you.

You need: A simple wind-up toy.

Steps:

Wind the toy close to your face so your child sees both your face and the toy.
Let it go. Watch together.
Pick it up, hold it still, and wait.
When your child looks to you or reaches, label and release again.

Script:

“Look… it is walking! Walk, walk!”
“More walk? (pause) You looked at me. Walk again!”

Tips: Use fewer words and a big smile. Short, fun phrases invite more checking in.

3) Snack “Show and Share”

Goal: Encourage pointing or showing to share interest, not only to request.

You need: A favorite snack in small pieces and two bowls.

Steps:

Place the snack where both of you can see it.
Hold one piece near your face and comment.
Offer a choice by holding up two pieces or two snacks.
Pause for a look, point, or sound before giving a piece.

Script:

“I have cracker. Crunch, crunch.”
“This one… or this one? (pause) You looked at me. Cracker for you!”

Tips: If your child only grabs, gently close your hand and wait for a quick look up. Reward even a brief glance with the snack and praise.

4) Book “Point and Peek” Walk

Goal: Follow points and shift attention between the picture and your face.

You need: A simple picture book.

Steps:

Sit so the book is just below your face.
Point to a picture and say a short comment.
Pause and wait for your child to look from the picture to you.
When your child looks, celebrate and add one more word.

Script:

“Dog! Woof.” (pause)
“You saw it too. Big dog.”

Tips: Keep the pace slow. One picture, one comment, one pause.

5) “On, Off, Go!” Button or Light Game

Goal: Create predictable turns that invite eye contact and joint excitement.

You need: A lamp, a big button toy, or a light switch that is safe to use together.

Steps:

Hold your child and place your hand over their hand on the switch or button.
Say, “Ready… set…” and pause with a playful face.
Help your child press. Celebrate together.
Reset and wait for a look or reach before the next turn.

Script:

“Ready… set… (pause)… GO!”
“Lights on! You looked at me. Again?”

Tips: Stop the game briefly after a few turns so your child has a reason to look to you to restart.

6) Toy on the Shelf “Help Me” Routine

Goal: Encourage your child to look at you and point to shared needs and interest.

You need: A favorite toy placed just out of reach but in sight.

Steps:

Stand near the toy with your child.
Gesture with an open palm and a curious face.
Wait for a look toward you, a point, or a sound.
Label the toy, then hand it over or start playing together.

Script:

“Hmm… what do you see? (pause)”
“You looked at me and pointed. Truck! Let us make it go.”

Tips: Avoid rushing. The pause is where learning happens.

7) Outside “I Spy and Share”

Goal: Build spontaneous showing and commenting.

You need: A walk outdoors.

Steps:

Point out one interesting thing at a time (airplane, leaf, dog).
Keep your comment short and animated.
Pause so your child can look back to your face.
If your child points or looks, respond with a matched comment.

Script:

“Airplane! I hear zoom.” (pause)
“You saw it too. High airplane!”

Tips: Fewer words, bigger expression.

8) Car “Pause for the Pop” Song

Goal: Encourage your child to check in during a favorite song.

You need: A short song or rhyme your child loves.

Steps:

Sing the song, leaving out the last word of a favorite line.
Pause and look expectantly at your child in the mirror or seat.
When your child looks, vocalizes, or gestures, finish the line with enthusiasm.

Script:

“Row, row, row your… (pause)”
Child looks or vocalizes.
“Boat! You looked at me. Again!”

Tips: Use the same pause spot each time so your child knows when to check in.

Common questions

Is joint attention the same as eye contact?
No. Eye contact can be part of joint attention, but joint attention includes looking between a person and an object or event. It is the back-and-forth shift that matters.

What about screen time?
Screens do not easily allow for true joint attention because they do not look back or share a moment with your child. Prioritize people-to-people play for developing joint attention.

How long should I practice?
Aim for many short moments across the day rather than one long session. Thirty seconds to two minutes during bubbles, snack, diaper changes, bath, and walks adds up quickly.

Encouragement and next steps

Joint attention grows best in warm, playful, face-to-face moments. Choose one or two activities above, keep your language short and animated, and give generous pauses. Celebrate each small “look back,” point, or sound. If you have ongoing concerns about joint attention, reach out to your pediatrician and a licensed speech-language pathologist for an individualized plan.

You are your child’s favorite communication partner. Your simple daily moments make a powerful difference.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.