Focus isn’t just about sitting still. It’s about brain development, emotional regulation, and finding ways to achieve goals. It’s important to note that some children struggle with focus, which can overwhelm everything and negatively impact their ability to make friends, develop self-confidence, and learn new skills.
Watching a child struggle to focus can be a very difficult time for any parent. You know they’re smart and capable. You see their potential. However, sometimes, when it’s time to shine, that coolness doesn’t always come through. Remember that your child isn’t lazy, nor is he or she defiant. Focus problems are real and affect millions of children worldwide. The good news is that it is a manageable condition with the proper intervention.
Concentration Problem in Child
Lack of focus can show differently in different children. Some children daydream while working, while others can’t sit still for even five minutes. However, some children always start something but never finish. These difficulties are due to differences in brain processes. The areas responsible for attention and self-control mature at different rates, so some children have difficulty and take longer.
However, difficulties focusing on children are often a result of their ADHD. However, not all children who have difficulty concentrating necessarily have ADHD. Here are some other things that can impact focus:
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Learning gaps
- Overloaded schedules
- Emotional stress (e.g., bullying, trauma, domestic violence, etc.)
Signs that your child may need support
First, notice the attention difficulties in your children. Your child may:
- Forget instructions immediately after you give them
- Be busy with morning homework, but quickly get distracted and can’t complete it
- Appear to be listening, but miss important things
- Shift from one task to another without completing any
- Can’t manage time the way you want
Sometimes, a child’s behaviors that teachers see at school will be similar. However, pay close attention, and these should not disrupt your child’s daily routine enough to cause anxiety.
How to Improve Attention Span of a Child?
Some of the practical ways to build focus skills in children are:
1. Start with Timed Practice Sessions:
Focus is like a muscle. Your child can improve their control over it with practice. It’s recommended that your child practice in short intervals.
First, you set a 5-minute timer. Together, choose a simple task. It could be reading a text, drawing, or tidying their desk. The goal is to stick to one task until the countdown.
This shouldn’t feel like a test, but rather like a fun game. When they succeed, acknowledge their efforts. As they develop, gradually allow them to take more time.
Also, practice with your child. When they see you focusing, it will become natural for them rather than just a special requirement.
2. Break Down Large Tasks into Smaller Steps:
Assigning children big tasks (e.g., cleaning the entire room or learning an entire chapter) is one of the reasons that overburdens their brains. They may take the task itself to be the problem.
Simply assign the task in small parts. Instead of cleaning the entire room. Give the task of making the bed and appreciate it. Then try to give tasks like putting away clothes, cleaning the desk, and so on. This creates planned initiative and demonstrates the progress that is actually being made.
3. Create a Distraction-Free Zone:
Young children’s minds are easily distracted. Therefore, learn to filter out distractions, such as:
- Practice mindfulness exercises like breathing that help in improving focus and staying in the present.
- Remove any unnecessary items from their study areas.
- Turn off the radio or television while studying. Phones and tablets should be kept away from focus time.
Some children are better able to focus with a little noise around them. Many children prefer some background noise to focus on their work. Experiment to see what works best for your child.
4. Teach Mindfulness Techniques:
As mentioned above, consciousness plays a crucial role in children recognizing when they’re distracted. This requires gently guiding them back on track.
Sit for about two or three minutes and try a simple breathing exercise like 4-4-4-4. Guide your child to place one hand on their chest and the other on their stomach, keeping only their diaphragm moving.
Initially, limit this to just two or three minutes. Try to adopt using it before your child begins homework or other focused activities.
5. Fix Procrastination Habits:
Procrastinating makes it even more difficult to focus later. In reality, children do this when tasks are uninteresting or challenging.
Apply the “do it now” rule gently. If possible, work with them to ease their anxiety and let them talk. Sometimes, fear, rather than a lack of skill, prevents focus.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Your child may need more professional help than just parental assistance. Your child might need a professional evaluation in case of:
- Focus problems disrupt friendships with friends
- The child’s academic grades decline significantly
- Your child is sad, anxious, or frustrated most of the time
- Strategies used at home have not yielded results
A child specialist, such as a board-certified child psychiatrist, help determines whether your child’s lack of focus is due to ADHD or another condition. They can provide personalized counseling, techniques to cope with issues, lifestyle changes, and medication if needed.
ADHD and Focus Challenges
The neurodevelopmental condition ADHD is characterized by attention problems, sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Note that children with ADHD don’t have a brain defect but rather, their brains function differently.
There are three main symptoms of ADHD:
- Inattentive symptoms, which make it difficult for children to maintain focus and follow instructions (e.g., not waiting in line or taking things without permission)
- Hyperactive symptoms, which often involve restless, fidgeting, and talking excessively.
- Either type or a combination of both may be present.
The Role of Professional Testing
Screening for ADHD always involves a comprehensive examination. This process typically involves the following stages:
- In-depth conversations with both children and parents
- Children’s concentration is monitored through computerized testing
- School data is reviewed
- Medical history information and details are examined
These ADHD testing aims to determine if ADHD is responsible for focus problems. They also serve to rule out other conditions that may affect focus.
Supporting Yourself as a Parent
Raising a child with focus issues requires a lot of patience and vigilance. Be sure to take care of yourself. Many parents of children with attention problems struggle with feelings of irritation, guilt, or confusion. These feelings are absolutely natural. However, your feelings affect the entire family.
You also need to take time for yourself. Join parent support groups. Getting family support through counseling can be your best helping hand. Remember that asking for help means that you are not weak, but it shows how strong you are.
Studies have shown that increased parental anxiety was associated with poorer academic performance in children with and without ADHD. Thus, if your anxiety is persistent, making you miserable, interfering with your career or relationship issues, it is best to consult with an anxiety specialist. Additionally, ADHD is a comorbidity with schizophrenia. Therefore, it is best to consult with a psychiatrist for schizophrenia for early detection.
Patience With the Process
Remember that improving focus in children requires time. There will be good days and bad ones. Small changes are important. Notice effort, not just results. “You tried three different ways to solve that problem” is better than “you got the right answer.”
Many famous adults had some difficulties concentrating as children. They were able to understand how their brains work and achieve their goals while working with their limitations, not against them
