How to Help Children with ADD Focus?

One of the problems with children with ADD is that their brain has arousal lower than average, so they yield easily to all kinds of distractions. To stay concentrated they need assistance, and parents and teachers should know a few techniques to help them focus better and thereby enhance understanding.

So, when you recognize the symptoms, go ahead. The kid is averse to studying, the teacher complains of her failure to concentrate, she can’t sit at her homework for a longish period of time; it looks like she could sit for hours daydreaming, staring in space, commenting on sounds and noises that reach her ears. Directions, advice and knowledge get lost on the way.

True, some occupations can get even a kid with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) engrossed; it is known as “hyperfocusing.” For instance, a video game where things change fast on the screen can hold her attention for quite a while – but not doing school projects.

As researchers state, the ADHD child is quite capable of concentration; the point is, they can’t control what they concentrate on. When they are engaged in something that is more demanding and less entertaining, they are unable to resist distracting factors and lose track of whatever they should be doing. There are meds which can sharpen concentration, as well as certain techniques that can be employed to ease the studying kid along.

It all boils down to the fact that any prolonged mental effort makes an arduous task for kids with ADHD; they have to struggle in order to stay with the teacher or lecturer. And they lose the struggle; calling them back to the class work or narration is of no avail. Moreover, this focus-bouncing often seems to be intentional to teachers and can cause a lot of misunderstanding and conflict because both sides are irritated with the situation as it is.

Here you can find ways to diminish distractibility to make your kid feel better fitted in both at school and at home.

See about proper medication

Is your kid taking ADHD meds? Check up again if it is the right stuff for them and the dosage is correct. ADD medication and stimulants in conjunction with therapeutic techniques can boost a child’s concentration ability to a remarkable degree.

Encourage games requiring attention

In order to acquit themselves well in most children’s games, kids need to focus and listen. There are games aimed at developing these very traits, like Champion Distractor, a game where a player must complete a task in spite of distractions from another player. Both abilities, to distract others and keep on in spite of distractions, present severe difficulties for kids with ADD.

Stimulate the kid to stay outdoors more

A link was discovered between a better concentration ability in children with time they spend outside and in nature. If time allows, walk with the kid to school paying attention to the surroundings; when they are back from school, it’s a good idea for them to play outside for a while before getting busy with the homework.

Observe the process of distracting

Together with your kid, define the factors that act as potent distractors for them personally. As they begin to realize these factors lure their concentration away, they will know when diversion occurs and can try to suppress the process.

Enhancing focusing at school

Consider the seat

Where does your child sit? If the desk is too close to the window or to the door, it can spell more chances to be distracted. They will find it much easier to concentrate if they sit in the first rows in the center of the classroom.

Block distractions

When it is applicable – say, during tests, encourage the kid to use earphones or earplugs. Invest in privacy dividers to minimize disturbances.

Switch on interest

When possible intersperse poor-interest activities with exciting ones; avoid maintaining the same pace throughout all activities, try a slower pace now and again. Introduce more visual and kinesthetic demonstrations and tasks to support audio materials.

Enhancing focusing at home

Set up a strict homework routine

Quite a few children want to take a rest after school, or may even want to take breaks when they are at their homework. Map out the best homework schedule with your kid to exclude procrastination but to provide for sufficient repose.

Find the place where the ADHD kid feels most comfortable and protected from distractions

Try out several places, maybe even some unlikely ones. A happy learning spot could enhance focus noticeably.

Help them start off

Go through assignments with your kid(s), check that they have everything necessary, see if they understand what they have to do.

Supervise and help along

A child with ADHD may need supervision quite badly – it can help them stay with the current task. See if your child needs a lot of supervision, or a few check-ins would be all that’s needed. Ease up on supervision as the kid grows and/or improves.

See if breaks between assignments will help

Upon completion of an assignment engage your kid in a few physical jerks or offer them a snack. If you brighten them up a little before the next stage it can be a good incentive.

Break large assignments into smaller parts

Some assignments are too big to be tackled in one sitting. Help the kid cut them up into manageable portions so concentration spans won’t have to be too long.