5 Reasons Time Passes Slow for Kids (Plus What You Can Do Differently Now)
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Ever notice how kids seem to live in a different time zone? Their days stretch on forever, while ours vanish in the blink of an eye.
I had my first son last year and the first six months of his life passed so slowly. I was learning to be a mother. I was sleeping very little. I was mesmerized by new life.
I tried to enjoy every late night and early morning knowing the days were long but the months would be short. And yet, it still overall passed very quickly for me.
I can’t believe he has turned one and now that I’ve returned to work and we’ve settled into our routine time is flying. But I’ll always appreciate the time it was just us and we enjoyed long days and short months.
There’s actually some science behind this. Studies show that as we age, our brains process time differently. Adrian Bejan, a professor of mechanical engineering at Duke University, found that the brain’s processing speed slows down as we age. This means we perceive fewer mental images in a given amount of time, making time seem to pass more quickly unlike children who take in many awe-inspiring mental images in a given amount of time.
But don’t worry, we’re not doomed to watch our lives speed by. There are ways to slow it down without being bored. Here’s why time drags for kids and how we adults can hit the brakes, backed by real research and some practical tips. Let’s learn to make the small moments last.
What Is Time?
Time is a fundamental concept that describes the progression of events from the past, through the present, and into the future. In physics, time is one of the essential dimensions of the universe, used to sequence events and measure the durations and intervals between them.
According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, time is not absolute but relative, varying with the speed of objects and the strength of gravitational fields, a phenomenon known as time dilation. Philosophically, time has been a subject of debate for centuries, with some viewing it as a linear continuum and others considering it more complex or even illusory.
Psychologically, humans perceive time subjectively, influenced by factors such as age, attention, emotions, and experiences. Enjoyable activities can make time seem to fly, while periods of boredom can make it drag.
Why Is Time Slower for Kids?
Time often seems to go slower for kids due to several scientific and psychological factors. Children are still developing. Their ability to understand time is limited. They are constricted to what they are learning and time stretches on and on.
1. Novelty and New Experiences
Kids live in a world where everything is new and exciting. Their brains are constantly firing on all cylinders, processing fresh experiences and storing vibrant memories. This bombardment of novelty makes their days feel longer and fuller.
Kids form memories at a faster rate because their brains are wired to absorb information like sponges? So, while adults are stuck in routines, kids are busy exploring, learning, and making every moment count. This makes time feel more stretched out compared to adults who have more routine and repetitive days.
2. Relative Proportion of Life
Here’s a fun fact—because their brains are still developing, they perceive time differently. The sheer size of each year compared to their total life span makes every day feel like a big deal. Meanwhile, for adults, years blur together because they’re just smaller pieces of a much larger pie.
For the little ones, each year is a massive chunk of their entire existence. A year to a five-year-old is 20% of their life. No wonder it feels endless compared to 2.27% of my life at the age of 44.
3. Cognitive Development
Kids’ brains are like high-speed processors, rapidly developing and constantly forming new connections. This intense cognitive growth means they experience the world in high definition.
Their brains actually produce more neurons than adults’, making every moment seem more detailed and significant. Because their minds are soaking up so much information, time stretches out and feels longer. For adults, with less neural excitement, time just slips through our fingers.
4. Attention and Focus
Kids have a heightened sense of curiosity, attention to detail, and ability to focus intensely on whatever captures their interest. They are more likely to notice and engage with their surroundings, making time feel fuller and more extended.
Children can enter a state called “flow” more easily than adults, where they lose track of time because they’re so immersed in what they’re doing. This heightened state of focus makes their experiences richer and more prolonged. For adults, with our scattered attention and constant multitasking, it’s no wonder time seems to fly by.
5. Lack of Routine
Kids thrive on unpredictability and looking forward to the next journey. Their days are filled with spontaneous adventures and new discoveries, making time feel like it stretches forever. Constant change keeps their minds engaged and alert.
What Adults Can Do Differently?
Time perception is often based on knowledge, experiences, and events. Adults view the world as much more familiar with less to learn and seek. They process less information quicker and quicker with each passing second.
When adults are having fun such as on vacation, they tend to assess time based on the number of memories spent in the period not what was done. The more memories the more time must of passed. The less memories the less time must of passed.
Think about it: if you’re bored, not making memories, time passes slowly. Yet, when you’re engaged and having fun, creating lots of memories time passes quickly.
Time is relative. Time is perception. You’ve programmed yourself to view time one way. You know how to perceive time (right or wrong, you’ve figured it out).
To slow down the perceived rush of time, you can focus on pacing yourself and creating lasting impressions of your experiences. Engage in new activities, break routines, and set personal challenges to make days feel longer and more memorable.
1. Drive a Different Way Home
Doing something different slows down time. Pay attention to how long it takes you to drive somewhere new versus driving back home. The drive home is always quicker.
Trying new activities, learning new skills, or traveling to new places can create more distinct and memorable events, making time feel more expansive.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or mindful breathing, can help you stay present in the moment, making time feel richer and more stretched out.
Instead of rushing through your day, try focusing on the here and now. Hit the pause button on life to truly savor each moment.
3. Break Routines
Routines can turn your days into a blur and make time seem to fly. Breaking out of your usual patterns can help things be more varied and slow.
Try taking a different route to work, picking up a new hobby, or even changing your daily schedule. Leave room in schedule without filling every hour. Shaking things up can make your days feel longer and more memorable.
4. Set Goals and Challenges
Working towards new goals and taking on challenging projects can create a sense of progress and achievement, making time feel fuller.
Do something you haven’t done before. Meet a stranger. Walk a new path. Start a new fitness plan. Take a cooking class. Venture into the unknown.
5. Savor the Moment
Spend time appreciating and savoring everyday moments, whether it’s enjoying a meal, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking a walk. This intentional focus can slow down the perception of time.
6. Document Experiences
Stop going through the motions. Snapping a photo or jotting down a quick note makes an event stick in your memory. Document your experiences to slow down your perception of time and make the event stick.
Studies show that writing about your day can enhance memory retention, making moments feel more significant. Keep a journal, take photos, or even record short videos.
These small acts of documentation help you relive experiences, stretching out time in your mind. Plus, it gives you a tangible way to revisit and savor those memories later.
7. Limit Multitasking
Multitasking is the enemy of a slow, fulfilling day. When you juggle too many tasks, you barely remember any of them. Switching between tasks can actually reduce your brain’s efficiency and make time feel like it’s speeding by.
Focus on one thing at a time instead. This boosts productivity and makes each moment more memorable.
8. Exercise Regularly
Did you know that exercise can enhance neuroplasticity, helping your brain create new connections? This heightened mental clarity makes experiences more vivid and time feel more stretched out. Try a daily walk, yoga, or a new fitness challenge. Just get moving.
9. Sleep Well
Ensuring you get adequate, quality sleep helps maintain a clear and focused mind. You’ll gain a more rested, vivid, and slower perception of time. Feel rested and actually have more time when you sleep well.
10. Connect With Others
Meaningful social interactions can enrich your experiences and create lasting memories, making time feel more substantial.
Instead of scrolling through social media, try spending quality time with friends or family. Engage in meaningful conversations and building relationships to create memorable experiences that linger in your mind.
Theresa is the founder and owner of Simple Is More from Beavercreek, Ohio. She is a nationally syndicated writer whose work has been featured on the Associated Press Wire, Blox Digital, and more. With a passion for words and a love for simplicity, Theresa has built a reputation as a trusted source on minimalism, home organization, budgeting, travel, and wellness. When she's not writing or tidying up, Theresa loves to explore new places, read a good book, and spend quality time with her family.