If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re concerned about your child’s focus. It’s not always easy to tell when a child is struggling with focus issues or if there is a different issue that affects their focus. Whatever your situation, here are seven ways that you can help your child overcome these issues and improve their focus!

Focus is something that children practice and learn at different rates. While some children seem more naturally able to focus, others tend to struggle a lot more. If your child is having trouble focusing, it’s important to understand that this is normal and there are ways to help!

1. Check In With A Professional

According to the CDC, approximately 11% of children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. While this number may seem high, it’s important to remember that not all children who struggle with focus have ADHD. But checking in with a professional about your child’s focus issues is important, because early intervention leads to much better outcomes. If medication is recommended for your child, bear in mind there is genetic testing for ADHD medications to ensure you find a good fit for your child’s specific genetic profile.

2. Routine, Routine, Routine

One of the best ways to help a child with focus issues is to establish a routine. Having set times for homework, meals, and activities can help your child know what to expect and when. This can help minimize distractions and make it easier for them to focus on what they need to do.

Another way to help your child focus is to establish routines for specific tasks. For example, you might have a rule that your child has to sit at the kitchen table to do homework. Or, you might require that they put away all electronics 30 minutes before bedtime.

Routines can be helpful for children with focus issues, but they need to be flexible too. If a routine isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. The most important thing is that you find what works best for your child.

3. Break Down Tasks Into Smaller Steps

One of the best ways to help a child with focus issues is to break down tasks into smaller steps. For example, if your child is struggling to focus on homework, help them break the task down into smaller pieces.

You can also use this strategy for other tasks, like getting ready for bed or cleaning up their room. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps can help your child feel less overwhelmed and make it easier for them to focus.

It’s also important to remember that some children need more time to complete tasks than others. If your child is struggling to focus, give them a few extra minutes to finish tasks. This can help reduce stress and make it easier for them to focus.

4. Do Activities to Practice Focus

There are many activities that you can do with your child to help them practice focus. One activity that is popular with children is using a hula hoop.

To play this game, start by having your child stand in the middle of the hula hoop. Then, have them focus on one object in the room and try to keep their eyes on it while they spin around. As they get better at this game, you can make it more challenging by moving the object around or adding more hula hoops.

Other activities that can help your child practice focus include Simon Says, puzzles, and coloring.

Doing activities to practice focus can help your child learn how to better direct their attention. These activities can also be a fun way to bond with your child and spend time together.

5. Get Rid of Distractions

Another way to help your child focus is to get rid of distractions. This means creating a space that is free from noise and other distractions.

If your child is struggling to focus at home, try creating a quiet space for them to work in. This might be a spot in their room or a place at the kitchen table.

You can also help your child focus by reducing distractions when you’re out and about. For example, you can turn off your child’s phone or have them wear noise-cancelling headphones.

Getting rid of distractions can be a challenge, but it’s important to create an environment that is conducive to focus.

6. Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can be a helpful tool for children with focus issues. For example, you can use a visual schedule to help your child know what to expect throughout the day.

You can also use visual aids to help your child focus on specific tasks. For example, you can use a picture of a calm scene to help your child relax when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Visual aids can be helpful for children with focus issues, but it’s important to find what works best for your child. Some children respond well to visual aids, while others might find them distracting.

7. Be Patient

It’s important to be patient when dealing with focus issues in your child. This is a process that takes time and there will be setbacks.

If you’re patient and consistent, you will help your child learn how to better focus. This can be a difficult process, but it’s important to remember that every child is different and what works for one child might not work for another.

While it’s normal for children to struggle with focus from time to time, there are things that you can do to help your child overcome these issues. By using some of these strategies, you can help your child learn how to better focus and make the most of each day.