10 techniques to increase concentration in children

Laila Ali

The problem of concentration does not mean that children are not smart or that they are not serious or that they are not interested, but that the child may want to focus on something, but he cannot. This can be for simple reasons such as feeling hungry, wanting to sleep, or preoccupied with thinking about one thing.

Aside from ADHD that teachers, parents and doctors tend to suspect, there are some other possibilities that contribute to attention problems, as stated on the website of the Child Mind Institute, including:

Anxiety
Neurologist Ken Schuster says anxiety "tends to lock up the brain," making school difficult for young children worried about separating parents, making a mistake, or not being the best.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which often begins in school years, have an additional source of dispersion and lack of concentration.

learning difficulties
Children with undiagnosed dyslexia are frustrated or ashamed that they cannot do what other children do.

Challenging tasks
When the task required of the child is difficult or unpleasant, he is bored, and quickly turns his attention to something more exciting, unlike us adults where we complete tasks whether we like it or not. To deal with this problem, the difficult task must be divided into smaller and easier tasks.

Common dispersants
A child's curious mind is always looking for distractions like a TV, a gadget or even a small toy located in the corner of a room, especially when he's busy doing homework. So make sure before your child sits down to get the job done that the place is free of all the things that distract attention.

Lack of attention from parents
To attract the attention of parents, children deliberately do not focus on the tasks required of them. Be sure to spend time with your child whenever the opportunity arises.

Lack of sleep
Make sure your child gets enough sleep every day and at the usual time.Lack of sleep can affect your baby's concentration.

Ways to improve concentration
To improve your child's concentration quickly and easily, here are some ways, according to an article published on the Flintobox website by consultant psychologist Dr. Shirin Stephen:

Thinking and concentration games
You can train and enhance your child's ability to concentrate with concentration games that require thinking, planning and memory usage, such as crossword puzzles, puzzles and card games like "Memory" and "Ono", as well as a "just sitting" game that includes challenging your child to sit without moving or Fidget for as long as he can.

Arranging things alphabetically and table counter are appropriate activities for those with difficulty concentrating. They should be kept away from tablets and computers, as they effectively reduce attention and memory power in children.

healthy food
Eating healthy foods is directly related to the child's concentration.Eating fast food or sugar-rich food makes the child slow, while protein-rich foods - such as almonds, eggs and lean meats - have the potential to raise awareness and increase concentration levels. Eating vegetables and fruits injects the body with antioxidants, which in turn strengthens the mind of children.

Work routine and follow-up
Setting a routine schedule for your child with the work he or she needs to do daily, helps to get used to and increase concentration.

Healthy sleep
Siesta sleep refreshes the mind and promotes concentration, and most children are able to focus better after spending enough sleep time during the night.

Understand how your child learns (visual, auditory, motor)
Children learn in different ways, and it is important to understand the category your child is in, as this will often help them better understand the information.

The next task
When your child is busy, tell them what to do next, and prepare them psychologically and emotionally for what to do.

Set short time goals
If your child is studying, you can alert him that a certain number of pages must be completed within twenty minutes. Keep in mind that the average adult focus time is about 42 minutes, give your child time limits of 15 to 20 minutes, keeping in mind that some children feel pressure at the set time and thus lose their concentration.

Rewards system
Upon completion of difficult tasks, children should be encouraged and rewarded, and material and moral rewards, such as praise, should be diversified.

Allow their own time
Children are active by nature, so giving them time to vent their energy once the task's time is over may help them focus better on the next task. It is helpful for your child to do something completely different during this time, as mixing physical activity with mental activity is very effective.

Distribution of tasks by energy
Some children have high energy in the morning, while others have high energy in the evening. Consequently, the distribution of tasks is done accordingly. Difficult and unpleasant activities take place during high energy time, while easier activities are accomplished in low energy time.

Simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and positive visual images help the brain improve the child's skills and learn new ones.