We all live in modern times, surrounded by new technologies and plenty of distractions. Today’s life goes very fast – we are overwhelmed with information. Sometimes, it is very challenging to stay on track and concentrate on a task. On the other hand, how harder is it for children to keep focus sharp?
Understanding Focus in Children
As parents, we all want our kids to be successful, first at school and then later in life. To achieve desired goals, children need to have different qualities. One crucial thing that has a huge impact on life situations is the ability to focus.
But, how come some kids find focusing challenging?
Focus or attention is the most important feature of performing a specific activity. It is a vital part of executive functions, such as memory, problem-solving, and self-control. Children with focus issues can have problems with learning, socialization, and sometimes self-confidence.
The headline may seem harsh, but it is not far from the truth. The screens are everywhere around us: in school, at home, or even in the car. With so much presence, it is very difficult to control it.
1. The Screens are the biggest human enemy
First of all, parents should be aware of how screen activities have an influence on their child’s development and behavior. In addition, not all children are the same and might respond differently to screen time.
It is important to follow which beneficial things are kids missing or skipping because of it. More and more schooling and homework today is performed on screens. These children should be encouraged to go outside and spend time outside and do activities that develop fine motor skills. Or, instead of swiping and typing, promote drawing, coloring, and painting.
Last but not least – think about the posture of the little ones when they are in front of monitors.
It is always easier to swipe videos on a screen than to do any other task. This can be especially challenging for the little ones. Therefore it is crucial to establish boundaries around screen time.
In the table below you can find statistics for screen usage. There is a big variation across sources.
| Age Group | Average Screen Time Per Day |
| 12 months | 53 min |
| 3 years | >150 min |
| 8 – 12 years | 4-6 hours |
| Teens | 9 hours |
2. Establish routines
Establishing routines for kids struggling with focusing can be extremely helpful in overcoming this issue. Support from parents, teachers, or caregivers is a crucial step. Don’t forget – consistency is the key.
Consistent schedule with visual elements
Try to implement a consistent daily schedule. This predictable behavior will help kids to feel secure. They will not have to leave their comfort zone and will easily understand what comes next.
Try to incorporate visual aids to make it easier to understand planning. Include pictures and symbols to keep it engaging.
For example, children in German schools get and use a „school book“, where they can note class plans, homework, and planned tests and get feedback from teachers. In this way, the chance to forget homework or tests is not that high. Plus, the children learn to work systematically and plan their tasks and obligations.
Breaking Down Tasks
Children with focusing problems can be overwhelmed by a long task. Instead, try to break them into smaller chunks. For example, if homework consists of 2 worksheets → first focus only on one. If the task is reading a book – try reading a chapter.
Celebrate small wins. For every finished step you should celebrate success – „Great job!“ or eventually a sticker to place on a board or chart. Additionally, incorporate breaks after every step. This keeps kids fresh and can be a reward for achieving a small win.
Establishing routines within the family creates predictability and security while allowing everyone to get what they need. Consider the different roles you play in your children’s lives so you can prioritize tasks and responsibilities.
Kalley Hartman is a Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Create a Structured Environment
Children need to have clear structures and routines. The environment should be well-organized so it can nurture focus and grow good study habits.
All unnecessary things should be removed. Too many toys or similar objects can harm focusing and distract. The learning corner has to be in a light area and equipped with the necessary equipment to successfully finish a given task.
3. Have a clear rules and stick to them
Establishing rules and sticking to them is essential to keep children focused. Both parents should come to an agreement about the limits and support each other. Being on the same page and staying persistent is a factor that leads to success. Not only that, but with clear rules children are aware of what is expected from them.
Setting Limits is a challenge for most parents. As a parent you are responsible for guiding your child’s Behavior – which means that you have to set limits all day, every day.
Dr. Laura Markham
4. Set up a good example for your child
Everything comes from family. Remember this, and always try to be a good example for your little ones.
But, while being a role model, encourage your child to be independent. Try to steer and supervise, but let them find their way to keep going forward and manage time.
5. Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle promotes children’s focus and cognitive abilities.
– Proper nutrition fuels the brain, improving attention and memory. The food should be versatile, including fruits and vegetables. Sweets and fast food should be avoided.
– Regular physical activities improve blood flow to the brain. Therefore, regular outdoor activities are crucial for well-being.
– Adequate sleep supports concentration and keeps children fresh during tasks. This overlaps with establishing routines, but children should go to bed early to have enough sleep. Below you can see a graph with recommended sleep time:
| Age Group | Recommended Sleep Duration (per 24 hours) |
| Infants (4-12 months) | 12-16 hours (including naps) |
| Toddlers (1-2 years) | 11-14 hours (including naps) |
| Preschoolers (3-5 years) | 10-13 hours (including naps) |
| School-aged Children (6-12 years) | 9-12 hours |
| Teenagers (13-18 years) | 8-10 hours |
Finally, all of these habits create a clear mind which improves focus. Consistent routines, such as establishing routines or reducing screen time, can lead to better self-discipline and reduced anxiety. Of course, rules are important and together with good examples will lead to a productive environment for children. Lastly, a healthy lifestyle will bring more benefits than you can imagine.
But remember, every child is unique: what works for one, doesn’t mean it will work for another. Test and find routines that work best for you, and your kid.
