Staying on task can be difficult, but it can be particularly challenging when you are surrounded by constant distraction and specifically in case of Child it’s really a gigantic task to be on track. In today's always-connected world, diversions are nothing more than a click away. Even during quiet moments, distraction is literally at fingertips. The ability to concentrate on something in our environment and direct mental effort toward it is critical for learning new things, achieving goals, and performing well across a wide variety of situations.
Thus, there is need of improving metal focus & concentration. And, improving our mental focus is achievable, but that does not mean that it is necessarily quick and easy. If it was simple, then we would all have the razor-sharp concentration of an elite athlete. It will take some real effort and one may have to make some major changes to some of the daily habits. Grown up people can improve their concentration with special exercises, however, with children, one needs to use a different strategies. A child can be helped to develop his or her concentration in various ways. These ways will teach the child certain habits and rules that would make it easier to focus and be less restless, while doing homework or carrying out tasks.
Here are 12 simple ways to help a child develop his mental focus & concentration.
1. Give Attention to Get Attention - How much attention a child gives a task also depends on whether he is enjoying himself. Many children struggle when asked to do something they don't want to do. The first time you introduce an activity that is more important to you than to your child, you are testing your creativity and flexibility as a parent and teacher. This is where the struggle lies for many parents/ teachers, because kids entering school have to do more structured, repetitive, and academic tasks, such as writing their names or sounding out letters. So the first thing that comes first is giving attention to the kid so that he/ she understands that his/ her attention is important.
2. Keep them physically active - Some physical activity, like playing, running or some sports, between study and tasks, would supply a way to vent out extra energy. This would help the child to be less restless, offset boredom and make it easier focus. Research shows that physical activities, such as cycling, playing football, running, etc., are not only good for their body but also for their mind. It helps children focus better on what they are doing. Child development experts say young kids should be able to focus between 4 and 20 minutes, possibly more, depending on the task. But this rule of thumb, just like any guideline for raising children, depends on the situation. And, important focus is ensure that the child has enough sleep at night, and also, some rest during the day and they can practice meditation and yoga too.
3. Divide a Big Task into Small Chunks - A big task requires too much concentration and discipline, so it would be a good idea to divide it into smaller tasks. This could be applied to homework, housework and learning new skills. Doing small projects, which lead to the completion of a major project, give the feeling of progress and movement, making it easier to focus. A big task that requires time, dedication and focus, might seem intimating and overwhelming, and can awaken reluctance to tackle. A small task seems easier to carry through and there is less resistance.
4. Reducing Distractions - Unless engaged in something they really like, children might find it difficult to screen out distractions. You need to keep the environment where they learn, study or carry out tasks, as distraction-free as possible. Be especially wary of television, loud music, noises, and anything else that might distract the child's attention.
5. Reduce screen time - It is not a good idea to watch TV while doing homework, since this distracts the attention. Today mobile phones have become one of the perilous distractions among Kids. Kids are getting addicted to mobile phones which needs to be avoided. Instead of giving the child electronic games to play with, give them traditional, physical games. You can buy them things that propel creativity and thinking while having fun. Allot a certain hour for your kid’s daily screen time when they can watch TV or the internet. In this way, the screen time will remain in check.
6. Doing Homework at the Same Hour Every Day - Repeating the same activity every day at the same hour, eventually, turns it into a habit. If a child sits down for homework every day at the same hour, after a while, when the hour comes, there will be less effort required to focus. The mind will know that the time for homework has arrived, and would be more willing to study.
7. Let Children Have Play and Fun - Giving children too many tasks and involving them in too many activities can be overwhelming and tiring for their brains. As a parent/ teacher you should allow them enough time for pleasure and fun, so they don't feel too pressurized and bored.
8. Play Games that Require Focus - You can train and strengthen a child's ability to focus by playing games that require thinking. There are a lot of such games, which you can find in stores selling games for children such as flintobox child engagement games & activities. Playing games that require focusing, planning and the use of memory combine fun with concentration.
9. Allow Break before Beginning a New Task - When the child is busy, tell him what he has to do next, but allow a few minutes, till he stops and starts the new activity. This advice is more valid, when a child is engaged doing something likes and enjoys doing, since there would be reluctance to stop what he is doing and start do something else.
10. Set goals: Develop a habit of setting goals and completing them in time. The goals need to be achievable and divide their study time into various categories to achieve. You can prepare a timetable for all their activities such as play time, study time, hobby time, etc. Set the time for completing a goal, like ten minutes, twenty minutes, etc. This might force the kid to focus, so as to finish the goal within the time limits. However, you should be careful with this, since some children might find setting time limits too pressurizing, and this could cause them anxiety and disturb their focus.
11. Give daily responsibilities - Depending on your child’s age, hand out responsibilities like setting the table, making a sandwich with you, sorting the cupboard and the like. Thus, simple daily tasks that require order can help improve the child’s mind. And the tasks need to change on a regular basis so that your child does not lose interest.
12. Appreciate and reward them - When you see your child improving and doing things better, give them a pat or some thoughtful gift. The children must feel motivated while doing a task as they need to feel accomplished when they complete a task. This helps children remain motivated and focused to perform more and better.
Thus, distractions in our modern day work have become voluminous which need a check & balance and in case of kids it’s highly essential. There are many different strategies that can help minimize distractions, improve focus & concentrations among children. Not all work for everyone, which is why it is required to explore different strategies for the kids based on age and need.
Author
Dr. Ajit Kumar Kar
In-Charge (Learning & Development) @ IMFA Ltd., Judge - Brandon Hall HR Excellence Awards-2019 , Co-Founder - CHRD
www.ajitprofile.webs.com
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