Most kids, at one point or another, struggle with their attention span. That’s not to say that they’re suffering from ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, because really, not every child is. However, in today’s technology driven world, the distractions available to a child are seemingly endless, which just seems to exacerbate the problem of attention deficiency in children. This can be increasingly frustrating for parents, especially when they can notice their child regularly struggling with focus.
So how does one help a kid that is healthy, happy, and normal otherwise, but seems to have some difficulty in concentrating on any sort of challenging task for any particular length of time? You’d be surprised to learn just how easy it is to bring your child’s attention back on track.
Encourage Frequent Physical Activity
As parents, we are busy, overworked, and overwhelmed and find handing a digital device to our child as the easy distraction or a way to find some time to accomplish our set tasks. However, it’s the one thing that is seriously harming our children’s attention span. With tech devices such as the smart phone, tablet, iPhone, or iPad, a child’s physical activity is limited at best. This lack of movement and exercise can stunt a child’s growth, mental and physical.
To improve your child’s attention span, encourage physical activity, especially during the early morning hours. It not only promotes cardiovascular functioning, it improves blood flow to the brain, allowing you child to focus better during school hours.
Set Specific Time Frames
When there’s too much going on at one time, a child is likely to have his attention divided, unable to perform at his optimal in any given activity. As such, to boost a child’s attention span, it’s important that parents divide and set specific time frames which allow the child to focus on only a single activity and give it their all.
Set particular time frames for particular activities; use timers and divide their tasks into short, achievable intervals that not only keep your child working without them becoming overwhelmed with the amount of work ahead of them, and achieve a sense of accomplishment at the end of each cycle.
Instill Proper Sleep and Dietary Habits
We don’t realize it, but the quality of our sleep and the foods we consume both significantly affect our mental capacity and ability to concentrate. If you can feel crabby, or dull due to lack of sleep and not perform at your best as an adult, imagine how pronounced the effect is for a child a quarter your age?
Parents, instill proper sleeping and eating habits for your children to boost their brainpower and concentration levels. A good night’s sleep can do wonders for an individual’s focus, and a high protein, healthy breakfast can provide the energy necessary for your child’s optimal functionality.
Be sure to practice these tips to see a marked improvement in your child’s attention span. However, if you’re still concerned, it’s recommended that your child visit their primary care physician at first opportunity to rule out the possibility of any underlying condition. To set up an appointment with Dr. Shalin Parikh, feel free to call his clinic at 469-262-5762, or visit www.healthonemedicine.com for more information.