One of the questions we see parents asking a lot is how they can help their student to focus better. I wrote a blog a while back called Troubleshooting Student Struggles, which addresses some common issues with more of a broad brush, but student focus seems to be one of the more popular concerns among parents. So, this blog is focused around reasons students may struggle to focus and how to troubleshoot/help them improve their ability to focus. Some of the common reasons why students struggle to focus include:
They’re not developmentally ready for the task at hand
In our last parent class, we went over the primary stages of brain development, and how children’s brains do not typically mature enough for book work until they are 6-8 years old. Prior to this, children’s brain development is mostly geared toward coordination, balance, language, and interpersonal relationships, so those are naturally the activities that young children gravitate toward. More than that, there is evidence that delaying school for a year can significantly reduce inattentiveness and hyperactivity until middle school.
So, if you are teaching a younger child, it may be advantageous (and easier for everyone involved) to allow the child to learn through play until they show signs of being ready for book work. Trying to read on their own, trying to write letters without being asked, and other such activities are evidence that a child is ready to move on to more formal education. Note: these activities are usually mimicked if they are modeled, so if a child doesn’t see you reading or writing on a regular basis they may not take this step on their own.
Their diet makes it hard for them to focus
Many people view food as a source of energy, which it is, but food is also so much more! Food gives us the essential vitamins and minerals we need to perform our daily tasks well, and if we are lacking in something we need, it can affect the way we are able to function. Have you ever had a day where you ate too much sugar with too little protein, or drank too much caffeine without a substantial meal? It often causes us to feel unwell- sick to our stomachs, brain foggy, jittery, etc. and most of us are familiar with a sugar crash. Children experience the same things, but since they are smaller, it usually affects them faster.
It turns out, there is a lot of research now that shows the importance of a balanced diet. For example, healthy fats, such as Omega-3, are very important for cognitive function, and studies show that cultures who eat more fish (a food high in Omega-3) have a much lower prevalence of anxiety and depression as well as other mental disorders. B vitamins are also very important for cognitive function- specifically B-12, B-6, and B-8; they are water soluble vitamins whose absence can cause trouble focusing as well as anxiety and depression.
In the busyness of day-to-day life, it is hard to keep track of what we are consuming, let alone what we are feeding to our children. However, convenient is not always better, especially as a habit. It turns out, there is a significant link between processed foods and patterns of behavior- specifically ADHD and other related struggles. If you see evidence of this in your children, it may be a good idea to evaluate what they are eating during the course of the day and whether some improvements can be made. Here are some snack ideas to help provide some healthy alternatives throughout the day, as well as some healthy meal planning options.
They spend too much time on screens
“Screen use releases dopamine in the brain, which can negatively affect impulse control. Dr. Lorenz says studies have shown screen time affects the frontal cortex of the brain, similar to the effect of cocaine” (source). Technology has come a long way, and it has a lot of benefits associated with it. However, it is good to be aware that it is possible to have too much of a good thing. And, especially for developing brains, screens are highly addictive and can be detrimental if used too often. Children who are constantly looking for the “high” of screen time will be irritable, have trouble regulating emotions, and will be unable to focus or think critically/creatively. If you notice your child fixating on their next “hit,” it might be a good idea to cut back on the amount of time they are spending on their devices and see if they improves their ability to focus once the “crash” wears off.
They have experienced a major life event
Children, like the rest of us, need time to process major life events. Deaths of loved ones, change in family status, major medical problems- whatever the stressor may be, it can cause a lot of turmoil that makes school difficult. This is a very common struggle for military children- the combination of an absent parent and constantly changing schools can make studying hard. Children in these situations benefit a lot from time to process and from emotional support as appropriate to their situation.
They may need a change of environment
Everyone is different, and children are just smaller people, after all. You may be able to determine, through observation and trial and error, what it is that your child needs. Some benefit from a designated work area; some like the freedom to work where they want; some need quiet; some benefit from having something rhythmic in the background. This is where homeschooling really shows its advantage- parents are able to observe their children and experiment till they find what works, and they have the flexibility to make changes to accommodate the needs and preferences of their children. A lot of children benefit from some activity before they begin their book work, as well- something to get their heartrate up and make them a little bit tired- homeschool parents can accommodate that, as well.
There are a lot of different ways to help your child focus, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. However, patience and persistence can help you find the solution that best helps your child.
You’re doing a great job, Mom/Dad! Thank you for investing so much effort into your children. It isn’t in vain.
