As I’m sitting here at Starbucks writing this blog on strategies for attention and focus-I have found myself completely distracted. I’m currently sitting at a long row of small tables completely surrounded by customers. To my right, a man and woman are having an intense conversation entailing the current housing market. To my right is a new mother with her baby and a friend enjoying one another’s company. It is hard not to eavesdrop or feel like I’m intruding on their conversations. It is even more difficult to focus on the task at hand-my blog. How ironic. Despite my distractions, I’m going to try and offer you some insight into strategies that will help your child. Ask yourself these questions…does your child have a hard time sitting still or focusing on a task for long periods of time? Does your child act as if they are running on a motor? Is their teacher at school saying they are disorganized and easily distracted? Maybe you have noticed a decline in their grades? Does this sound like your child? While there isn’t an easy fix, here are some strategies that may help.

Get their attention

When asking your child to do something at home, make sure you have their attention. Gain eye contact, decrease other distractions in the room (turn off t.v, computer, etc.), and give straightforward and simple instructions-no more than 3 steps to start.

Stop, Think and Choose

A lot of children who struggle with attention and focus are impulsive. Remind your child to stop and think before acting. This will create intention and thoughtfulness in their actions.

Velcro

Place Velcro under your child’s desk at school and at home. They can fidget with it without becoming a distraction to their peers. It gives them something to do while focusing on the task at hand.

Stability Ball

Encourage your child to sit on a stability ball while doing their homework. This is a similar idea to the Velcro. They are able to move around and get sensory input while maintaining focus. At school ask their teacher if there is a sit and move cushion that they can have during work time.

Honey In A Jar

Children with attention issues might sometimes act as if they are running “on a motor”. Remind them to act as if they are in a jar of honey and to slow down when their motor seems to be moving too fast. For more strategies on improving your child’s attention and focus as well as other helpful information, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!