Why it’s so hard to get kids’ attention, according to science (and what to do about it)

The Washington Post – James Paterson

After dinner, which is served in shifts and consumed in various parts of the house, Dad does the dishes, and Mom makes a phone call to a co-worker. Both also begin the disagreeable ritual of reminding their kids — a fifth-grader and ninth-grader — to complete a chore, do their homework or make after-school plans for the next day. But the fifth-grader is engrossed in a video game while the teen exchanges messages with friends. (more)