Our experience suggests to me that Old Dad is correct. Tuning out is to some degree a kind of normal thing under those conditions.
To train for higher levels of engagement over a longer period of time, I give oral "pop-quizzes" to my DD about things going on around her, or about the tasks which she is engaged in.
Ask for observations that are either detail-oriented (to demonstrate that s/he hasn't been paying attention, or conversely, to demonstrate to me that she has been, sometimes). Ask for synthesis or analysis-- that can often elevate the mundane to a more interesting cognitive level.
"Why do you think most people come to the DMV? Do you think that it varies by time of year? By time of day? Why?"
"What do you think about when you are mowing the lawn? What do you notice?"
"Have you noticed what happens when you add detergent to a dish with oil/grease in it? What do you think causes that?"
