It can be difficult for children to focus. They tend to have substantial amounts of energy, which can make it even harder for them to stay focused. It can even be more difficult for them to focus if they are uninterested in the task. Children that have difficulty focusing often have problems in school. These struggles can also lead to behavioral problems. Sometimes difficulty with focusing stems from separation anxiety, while other times it can be caused by exposure to distractions. Here are a few ways that you can help your child focus.
Break Large Tasks Down
Large tasks can be incredibly overwhelming for children. In addition, it can be tempting to put off these tasks, which can further make it difficult to focus. Breaking large tasks down into smaller segments can help your child to focus on each segment without losing focus or becoming overwhelmed.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help increase the capacity of the child to focus. Though they may not be able to have long meditation sessions, encourage them to spend some time focusing on their breathing. Even if this is only done for a few breaths, it can help your child to learn how to focus and refocus when their attention wanders.
Limit Directions
Providing your child with too many directions can cause them to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and unable to focus. Limit directions to just one or two at a time. This will allow them to complete one task at a time, without becoming stressed.
Set Time Limits
It can help a child to focus when they know how long they are expected to focus. Set a timer for the time period that they have to sit and focus on their homework or clean their room. This will also ensure that they are less reluctant to undertake the task. If the task isn’t completed when the timer goes off, allow them to take a break before refocusing.
Take a Break
Regular breaks can go a long way toward helping your child to refocus when they are trying to complete a difficult task. Allowing them to play outside for a few minutes, play a game, or otherwise rest for a few minutes. After this point, it will be easier for them to focus on their original task.
Consider Fidget Tools
In some situations, it can be difficult for children to sit still. Many tools have been created to help with this situation. Stress balls, fidget spinners, and other tools help to keep a child’s hands busy. This can go a long way toward helping them focus without getting distracted by their fidgeting.
Be Flexible
There is no “one size fits all” approach to helping a child focus. It is important to remember this and be flexible when you attempt to help your child focus. Try different approaches until you find something that works. Be patient in this endeavor. Becoming angry or frustrated will only make it more difficult for your child to stay focused. You should also allow ample time for possible distractions. Unrealistic time constraints will simply leave everyone more frustrated.
Stay Organized
Organization has been shown to substantially improve productivity. This same thing applies to children. Implementing organization tools can help them to stay organized and more focused. Labeled binders, notebooks, and other organizers can ensure that they find the item that they need when it is time to focus on it. If they have to spend a substantial amount of time finding their homework before they can even begin on it, they will be tired and frustrated before the real work even begins.
Implement a Routine
Routines are incredibly important for children. Implementing a regular routine helps them to know what to expect and reduces the possibility of stress. If they don’t have a regular routine, they may spend time worrying about the unknown, rather than focusing on their homework. Set regular bed times and do your best to stick to a schedule as much as possible.
Practice with Focus Games
Regular practice with focus games is a great way to help exercise your child’s brain. Not only will this improve their focus, but it will also be fun for them! There are many games that require focus that can improve their ability to do so. Jigsaw puzzles require prolonged attention to figure out how all of the pieces fit together. Crosswords and word searches are other puzzles that require focus, while simultaneously providing fun for your child. Reading to your child can also go a long way toward increasing their attention span, while simultaneously providing a bonding experience.
Good Nutrition
“You are what you eat” is a very apt statement. Good nutrition can provide your child with the fuel that they need to fuel their brains and help them focus. In addition, it is important to avoid excess sugar and caffeine. These products generally lead to a spike of energy followed by a crash, which can make it extremely difficult to focus. Pack healthy lunches to help your child focus throughout classes.
Learn How They Learn
There are many different methods of learning. Understanding which method your child gravitates to can go a long way toward implementing their ideal learning method. Learning methods are often separated into visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners learn primarily by physically seeing instructions or lessons. Auditory learners often learn better by listening. Kinesthetic learners learn most effectively when they can physically touch or work with their hands.
Children can struggle with focusing for many different reasons. Difficulty focusing can simply escalate to many additional concerns. If your child has problems focusing, they may have problems learning, which can lead to low self-esteem. Taking these steps to help your child focus can go a long way toward preparing them for school. Here at Corner Canyon Academy, we are dedicated to providing you with the guidance to create the best start for your child. To learn more about our services at Corner Canyon Academy and the benefits that they can provide for your child, contact us today!
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