7 Ways to Help Your Child Build Good Attention and Focus Habits at Home: A Guide for Mums
Maintaining your child's attention and focus can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially with the constant distractions of modern life. Whether it’s homework, chores, or simply paying attention during family conversations, helping your child develop strong focus habits is key to their success in school and life. Here’s a guide for mums looking to support their children in maintaining good attention and focus habits at home, backed by evidence-based strategies.
1. Create a Structured Routine
Why it works: Children thrive on structure. A predictable routine helps reduce distractions and sets clear expectations for when it's time to focus. Research shows that routines can help children build self-discipline, which improves attention over time.
How to implement:
Set consistent times for activities such as homework, meals, and play.
Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Use visual schedules or charts to remind your child of their daily activities.
Tip: Start with small routines and gradually increase complexity as your child adjusts.
Evidence: A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children with regular routines at home were more likely to develop better behavioral and emotional regulation .
2. Limit Distractions During Focus Time
Why it works: Reducing distractions in your child’s environment can significantly enhance their ability to focus on a given task. Noise, screens, and toys can all pull attention away from important activities like homework or reading.
How to implement:
Designate a quiet, distraction-free space for focused activities.
Limit screen time during work periods and encourage breaks for physical activity instead.
Ensure that your child has all necessary materials ready before starting a task to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Evidence: A report by the American Psychological Association states that children exposed to fewer distractions during study periods show better task completion and attention retention .
3. Encourage Short, Regular Breaks
Why it works: Studies show that children (and adults) have limited attention spans, and frequent breaks can help reset focus. A technique like the Pomodoro method—which involves working for short, intense intervals followed by brief breaks—can boost your child's productivity.
How to implement:
Encourage 25-30 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.
Use a timer to signal both work and break periods.
Incorporate physical movement, such as stretching or a quick walk, during breaks.
Evidence: Research in Cognitive Neuroscience suggests that taking regular breaks during study sessions improves cognitive performance and focus .
4. Praise Effort Over Results
Why it works: Children who receive positive reinforcement for their efforts, rather than just results, are more likely to persist through challenging tasks. This resilience can improve long-term attention and focus, as they become less afraid of making mistakes.
How to implement:
Praise your child for trying hard, even if they didn’t get everything right.
Use phrases like “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that” instead of “I’m proud of how smart you are.”
Encourage a growth mindset by reminding your child that focus and attention are skills that can be improved over time.
Evidence: A study published in Developmental Psychology found that children praised for their effort, rather than intelligence, displayed greater persistence and focus on challenging tasks .
5. Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
Why it works: Mindfulness practices have been shown to improve children's ability to focus, regulate emotions, and manage stress. Teaching your child deep breathing exercises or simple mindfulness activities can help calm their mind and improve concentration.
How to implement:
Practice deep breathing exercises before starting homework or other challenging tasks.
Teach simple mindfulness techniques, like focusing on breathing or paying attention to sounds around them.
Use apps or guided videos designed for children to introduce mindfulness in a fun and engaging way.
Evidence: According to a study in the Journal of Attention Disorders, mindfulness practices were associated with improvements in attention and focus in children .
6. Incorporate Physical Activity Into Their Day
Why it works: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and can help improve concentration and focus. Children who engage in regular physical activity are also better able to manage stress and maintain focus on tasks.
How to implement:
Include daily physical activities, such as outdoor play, sports, or family walks.
Encourage active breaks between study sessions, where your child can move around and release pent-up energy.
Consider introducing yoga or other focus-building activities for kids.
Evidence: A study in the Journal of Pediatrics concluded that children who engage in regular physical exercise show improved cognitive function and attention .
7. Foster a Growth Mindset
Why it works: Children who believe they can improve their attention and focus through practice are more likely to succeed in the long run. Encouraging a growth mindset—where effort leads to improvement—helps children persevere through difficulties.
How to implement:
Remind your child that attention and focus are skills they can develop with practice.
Help them set small, achievable goals for focus-related tasks.
Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.
Evidence: The Mindset Theory by psychologist Carol Dweck emphasizes that children with a growth mindset are more resilient and develop better cognitive abilities over time .
Final Thoughts
Supporting your child in developing strong attention and focus habits takes time, patience, and consistency. By creating a structured, distraction-free environment and reinforcing positive behaviors, you can help your child build the skills they need to stay focused both at home and in school.
Remember, attention and focus are skills that improve with practice, and as a parent, you play a crucial role in guiding your child toward success.
References:
Pediatrics: Impact of Routines on Emotional Regulation (Journal of Pediatrics, 2017).
American Psychological Association: Reducing Distractions and Improving Focus.
Cognitive Neuroscience: The Role of Breaks in Cognitive Performance.
Developmental Psychology: The Impact of Effort-Based Praise on Persistence and Focus.
Journal of Attention Disorders: Mindfulness Practices and Their Effects on Children’s Focus.
Journal of Pediatrics: The Cognitive Benefits of Physical Activity in Children.
Mindset Theory by Carol Dweck: Building a Growth Mindset in Children.
