A number of learning and attention issues can make it difficult for a child to pay attention in the classroom.
In some cases, environmental and psychological issues are to blame. Sleep deprivation, hunger, family discord, bullying and anxiety, along with ADHD, which remains the most common brain-based condition of early childhood, all have the potential to impede a child’s ability to stay focused and pay attention throughout the day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 percent of children ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s roughly 6.4 million children.
[Read: Mindfulness in Schools: When Meditation Replaces Detention.]
For kids with ADHD, the area of the brain responsible for sustaining attention takes longer to develop. These kids aren’t off task and squirmy because they’re bored or acting out; their brains work differently. You might find, for example, that your inattentive child comes home with poor behavior reports regularly but can focus on a video game for several hours. This can be frustrating for parents and teachers alike. But instead of focusing on consequences for the behavior issues, it helps to uncover the root of the problem.
Kids who have ADHD might struggle with the following:
— Following verbal directions (particularly multi-step directions)
— Holding a train of thought if they are interrupted
— Filtering out extraneous sounds, sights and other stimuli. (The shuffling of feet in the classroom can actually be quite distracting for a child with ADHD.)
— Concentrating on one activity at a time
— Completing a task when directions have only been provided once
— Processing information quickly
— Remaining engaged in a conversation
Whether or not your child has a diagnosis of ADHD, attention issues in the classroom can negatively affect her ability to understand and process academic material, make and maintain friendships, and thrive in the classroom setting.
The good news is there are steps you can take to help your child pay attention in the classroom and outside of school as well.
Investigate the cause. ADHD is one potential cause of inattention, but anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, family problems, grief, social issues and learning differences can all result in difficulty paying attention.
Make time to connect with your child one-to-one to talk about his classroom experiences. Be sure to listen more than you talk. Kids are more likely to open up about the underlying problems they face when they know their parents are present, listening and available.
If attention issues are ongoing and you’re not sure what’s triggering the behavior, seek an evaluation from a licensed mental health professional.
[Read: What Parents Should Know About Teen Depression.]
Work with the teacher. Your child’s teacher has a more complete picture of your child’s successes and struggles in the classroom than you’re likely to get solely from talking with your child after school. If you’re concerned about your child’s academic performance, chances are your teacher wants to work with you to help your child succeed.
Sometimes simple accommodations, such as sitting at the desk nearest the teacher and getting written instructions along with verbal instructions, can make a big difference. Other times inattentive kids might need a quiet space to complete their work or to take tests in a distraction-free room. You might even ask for activity breaks, when your child can step outside the classroom to do a few jumping jacks or wall push-ups to release pent-up energy.
The best thing you can do is establish regular, positive communication with the teacher to implement a team approach to helping your child.
Create a solid home routine. Clear rules and a consistent routine remove some of the guesswork that can negatively affect inattentive children. It’s important to set and maintain healthy limits, including avoiding a packed (and overwhelming) after-school schedule and establishing healthy sleep hygiene. Consistent sleep makes a huge difference in the life of an inattentive child.
Channel the energy. Kids are sitting for longer periods during the school day, and this can increase inattentiveness. Make sure your child has plenty of time for unstructured outdoor play each day. While team sports can be wonderful for children, they also come with yet another list of rules and directions to follow. Your inattentive child needs time to do her own thing. Don’t be afraid to take a break from organized activities and simply give your child time to run free.
Limit media distractions in the home. Children are not as adept at filtering out distractions as adults are, and this is even more difficult for an inattentive child. Try to avoid engaging with television, tablets or phones when your child is doing homework. By establishing healthy media boundaries for the whole family, you teach your child to focus on one task at a time. In these modern times, it’s far too easy to check social media with one hand while listening to the news and asking a child about his day. Sadly, this practice sets kids up for distracted living. Make single-tasking — doing one thing at a time — a family goal to help your child learn to filter out extraneous stimuli.
Teach organization. Inattentive kids benefit from learning about long-term planning. Wall calendars, day planners and goal-setting charts can all be beneficial tools for your child. Be patient and persistent. Learning to organize can take time, but it will help your child succeed.
Keep calm. Inattentive children can push buttons. They struggle to follow directions. They don’t always finish what they start. They can be forgetful. But they do these things because this is how their brains work. Yelling and harsh consequences won’t teach your inattentive child to pay attention. In fact, harsh discipline will likely trigger anxiety in your child, and anxiety increases inattention.
[See: 8 Myths and Misconceptions About Dyslexia.]
Focus on positive parenting and meeting your child where he or she is on any given day. Instead of barking out corrections, for example, take a deep breath and ask, “What do you need to finish this task?” By remaining calm and providing guidance, you send a clear message to your child: You have what it takes to succeed.
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How to Help Your Inattentive Child Thrive at School originally appeared on usnews.com
