[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”2502px” custom_margin=”99px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”114px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Do you ever find yourself frustrated with a child who isn\u2019t paying attention to what you say, or what they are supposed to be doing? Maybe they start something but easily get distracted? These are common concerns and challenges for parents, especially in today\u2019s world where it\u2019s much easier for children and teens to get distracted and unfocused.<\/span><\/p>\n Many adults worry that technology plays a role in worsening attention and focus for kids, and that\u2019s certainly partly true<\/strong>. However, technology can play a role in supporting focus and task completion as well. The key is teaching kids how to make their devices and apps work <\/span>for <\/span><\/i>them, instead of <\/span>against <\/span><\/i>them.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n One of the biggest frustrations parents experience is knowing their child is capable of something, but isn\u2019t achieving or following through because they don\u2019t stay focused on the task at hand. It\u2019s important to know that intelligence is made up of many different aspects of brain function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The ability to focus and attend to something is one part of a set of cognitive skills called \u201cexecutive functions\u201d. It is entirely possible for a child to be intelligent or \u201csmart\u201d in many areas, but have weaker focus and attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to remember that <\/span>all kids (and adults) struggle with focus and attention at various times<\/b>, especially when the task is uninteresting, overly difficult, or monotonous. In other words, <\/span>a child struggling with focus and attention doesn\u2019t mean they lack intelligence<\/b>. This is true for all children, even if they have been diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD. Focus and concentration are skills that can be strengthened in all of us.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As digital devices and media have taken over almost every aspect of our daily lives, many people are concerned about the impact this has on children and teens. Attention and focus are specific concerns, as many parents and teachers observe that <\/span>kids today have a much harder time focusing on things at home and in school<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Research done so far<\/span><\/a> indicates that increased use of devices and digital media, specifically social media apps, can have a detrimental effect on attention span and focusing abilities for children and adolescents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, it\u2019s important to note that use of <\/span>technology doesn\u2019t automatically equate to poor attention and concentration skills<\/b>, especially when appropriate limits are in place and children are engaging in other developmentally-appropriate activities that don\u2019t involve screens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2023\/04\/18131255\/2023-03-How-to-help-your-child-focus-better_Inside_Page.jpg” alt=”How technology affects focus” title_text=”2023-03 How to help your child focus better_Inside_Page” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Media multitasking seems to be one of the most problematic issues for reducing attention and focus in children (and adults). It simply means <\/span>using multiple devices or apps at the same time<\/b>, including the constant switching between them. Common examples include watching a TV show while scrolling on social media and texting with friends.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Research shows that <\/span>a current trend<\/b><\/a> among children and teens is that they are increasingly engaging in media multitasking<\/b>. This can have negative consequences for their ability to pay attention and focus, as it essentially trains their brains to not pay attention to anything for an extended period of time!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some specific tips for reducing media multitasking so you can strengthen your child\u2019s focusing capabilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There are many things that can be done to support the development and improvement of attention and concentration skills in children and teens. Here are some general things to implement:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Make sure your child is getting physical activity throughout the day.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Movement and exercise support the development of a child\u2019s brain, and allow the frontal lobe of the brain (which manages our attention system) to form strong connections within the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Encourage your child to spend time outdoors in nature regularly.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n The sunshine, fresh air, movement, and slower pace of time outside all support better brain development and stronger attention skills\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Focus on feeding your child foods that support healthy brain function.<\/b><\/p>\n This includes plenty of protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Limiting highly processed foods filled with sugar and chemicals is important to support your child\u2019s brain development (and ability to focus). A snack of apple slices with nut butter and a glass of water will better support attention and focus than a snack of donuts and juice.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Make sure your child gets to bed on time and sleeps through the night.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n A good night\u2019s sleep is critical for allowing your child to focus during the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Removing devices from the bedroom at night helps ensure a good night\u2019s sleep without distractions from notifications, texts, games, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Limit screen time as appropriate for your child\u2019s age and developmental level.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Have your child take breaks from devices every 30 minutes or so. Use parental controls to support implementing the plan you make with your children around overall time limits, apps they\u2019re using, and more. <\/span>Qustodio<\/span><\/a> is the app I use and recommend for parents looking for a simple effective solution.<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Manage your own device and tech use\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n Your own modeling also makes a big difference! Take a conscious effort to manage your own technology use in a way that demonstrates a brain-supportive approach for your children. This means making sure you\u2019re taking breaks, avoiding device distractions, moving your body, etc. throughout the day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Homework time can be particularly challenging for students and parents, especially when kids have been in school all day long. There are some strategies parents can implement to support focus during homework time and <\/span>strike a balance between learning and technology<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\nMy child is smart but can’t focus<\/b><\/h2>\n
Does technology affect children’s focus?\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Avoid constant media multitasking<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How can I help my child focus better?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Tips to help children focus on homework<\/b><\/h2>\n