Learn how to build attention skills in children.
Many teachers and parents have problems these days with gaining the attention of children. There is a growing trend in the lack of attention visible in kids while also having to mention problems with concentration and self-control. It is quite obvious that this would be problematic with everything from having the motivation to learn to math tests and social relationships.
Simple Tips To Help Build Attention Skills In Children
While most parents stay focused on monitoring the activities of children, you should be focused on building attention skills. This is always better, especially when the child is young. No matter what age your child is, changes are possible.
1. Work On The Climate
Parents that are overly bossy or overly permissive will usually end up with children that have attention problems. It is very important that you use authoritative caregiving techniques. Children that are faced with such an environment will have stronger motivation and attention systems. As the child grows, he will end up loving, empathic, patient, firm and that is exactly what you have to be with your child. The three elements that need to be included in the climate are:
- Emotion
- Motivation
- Attention
2. Work On Household Environment
Children need well regulated environments while at home. If the household is not controlled and routines are not actually made clear, not much understanding will be present. Also, it needs to be mentioned that when there are unrealistic demands that are placed on children, fear steps in. The child ends up being afraid of making any mistake and that is never good.
3. Set Clear Rules And Expectations But Make Them Reasonable
It is vital that you establish reasonable expectations when thinking about the behavior of the child. Never impose your will. Try to negotiate and discuss. This includes eventual consequences when rules are not respected. Caregivers have to be consistent.
Parents have to understand the fact that they need to say no but they also need to be reasonable at all times. We see too many that force children to stay and do homework for hours every single day. That is not actually the correct approach. You need to be flexible and create a schedule based on what actually needs to be done.
Maybe during one day there is no need to do homework. Parents in this case are usually used to what happens in the other days and will force children to study more for other disciplines. Never do that. Talk to the child and be reasonable. If his homework is over and he does not want to do extra work, do not force him.
4. Focus On Communication
The children needs to be encouraged to talk and express his ideas or wishes. Language stands out as a really important part of establishing proper social relationships. Listen to the child and always teach him how to use words in order to control and plan behavior.
5. Talk To A Doctor
You need to always be informed. In the event that the child shows attention deficit and it is not consistent with age or this was noticed for over 6 months, the doctor should be visited as soon as possible. You can read many different books and read internet pages that talk about such disorders. In most situations there are various treatment options that are available so do not worry too much about it. The doctor will perform different tests and will offer a diagnosis in the event that the child suffers from something. Based on the diagnosis, proper treatment is chosen.
In the event that your child was diagnosed with an attention deficit disease, make sure that teachers know about it. Maintain emotional support and do your best in order to enhance communication.
Quick Things To Consider To Increase The Child’s Attention
If you are in a hurry, here are some things that you can consider:
- Establish predictable routines and firm limits
- Show the child that he can have a voice in setting rules
- Teach the child that no actually means no
- Always make sure that the child gets enough rest
- Eliminate or moderate TV noise as background inside your home
- Identify eventual sounds that might cause the child to be afraid and eliminate them
- Try to keep computers and TV sets in neutral home areas so that use can be monitored but do this with caution as you do not want to limit what the child loves doing too much
- Discuss content that is seen on TV with your child
- Try to get the child involved in some sort of physical exercise routine that can be repeated every day and try to find something that can be done outdoors
- Always spend time with your child and show him how some problems can be solved
- Play games, start hobbies and projects together
- Make sure that proper physical contact like hugging still exists as it is necessary for children of different ages
- Eye contact should be used in order to get the attention of the child before directions are given
- Make sure that there are no allergies to environmental substances or food since this can turn into attention problems
- Make sure that the nutrition of the child is a proper one with excess sugar being closely monitored
- Try to build a schedule that the child can respect so that he can develop a routine and learn to stick to it
Patience Is Definitely Necessary
Now that you are a parent, you need to make sure that your attention is turned towards the child. We understand that you are faced with many different problems on a day-to-day basis but any child needs attention and has to understand that parents are there for him, no matter what.
Communication is usually the key to developing really good attention skills. Make sure that you are open with the child while also mediating and monitoring every situation that can lead towards attention problems.