If your child you know is having trouble concentrating, it can be frustrating for you and them both! Work together to stay on task when you’re focusing on a particular activity. Outside of that, use things like mindfulness exercises and memory games to help the child learn how to focus.
Also, make sure to minimize distractions that could be making it difficult for them to focus. Ability to concentrate varies among individuals, by age and developmental level.
Pick a single task at a time:
It can be tempting to throw several things at the child in an effort to keep them focused. However, giving them multiple things at once can overwhelm them, causing them to meltdown.
Break activities into chunks:
If you tell a child they have to do 10 math problems, that can feel a little overwhelming. Breaking up the task into smaller pieces can make it much more manageable.
For instance, if you say, “We have all these problems to get through!” that can feel overwhelming. Instead, just point to the one you’re working on right now.
Re-direct focus back to the task:
Pick a simple reminder you can use to help the child refocus. You can try tapping their arm, for instance, or saying, “back on track!” Keep it short and to the point so the signal itself doesn’t become a distraction.
Get physically close to the child:
That is, don’t try to give them instructions from another room. If they see you’re not focusing on the task, they won’t either. Give your full attention, and the child is more likely to give their full attention, too. After all, most kids love getting attention from the adults in their life!
Work on mindfulness exercises:
Try doing guided meditations with them or sign them up for a kid’s yoga class.
Divide a Big Task into Small Tasks:
A big task requires too much concentration and discipline, so it would be a good idea to divide it into smaller tasks. This could be applied to homework, housework and learning new skills. A big task that requires time, dedication and focus, might seem intimating and overwhelming, and can awaken reluctance and procrastination. A small task seems easier to carry through, and it creates less resistance.
Reducing Distractions:
Unless engaged in something they really like, children might find it difficult to screen out distractions. You need to keep the environment where they learn, study or carry out tasks, as distraction-free as possible.
Let Children Have Play and Fun:
Giving children too many tasks and involving them in too many activities can be overwhelming and tiring for their brains. As a parent, you should allow them enough time for pleasure and fun, so they don’t feel too pressurized.
Set Time for the Completion of a Goal:
Set the time for completing a goal, like ten minutes, twenty minutes, etc. This can force the kid to focus, so as to finish the goal within the time limits.
Children are super energetic, curious and exuberant. Hence making them sit down and do a task without distraction, can be quite a task.