Many children impacted by early childhood loss or trauma struggle to pay attention. Kids who were exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy struggle with focus and attention as well. Even if your grandchild does not have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might notice that they are easily distracted and struggle to focus. What can you do to help them build their attention and focus skills while they are living with you?
For a child with ADHD or focus challenges, attempts to pay attention can be at odds with the racing activity in their brain. The extra energy it takes to pay attention gets hard to sustain, and they feel antsy. They distract others around them while trying to figure out how to concentrate. These distractions in the classroom can lead to several challenges, such as:
- Being scolded frequently by the teachers
- Feeling left behind when they’ve missed content
- Being teased for their quirky behaviors or restlessness
- Being labeled as inattentive, disinterested, or disengaged
Practical Tips to Help an Easily Distracted Child Pay Attention
Research shows that easily distracted kids (beyond an age-typical struggle) can usually focus better when they are allowed to “fidget.” Many adults cannot fathom how playing with a toy under the desk helps a child pay attention. Still, the studies are clear that techniques like these help an easily distracted child focus.
1. Use fidget toys.
Fidget toys are hand-held objects that spin, roll, or quietly keep a child’s hands occupied. They create a calming, soothing sensation that slows your grandchild’s racing brain enough for them to concentrate. There is a whole industry dedicated to the sales of these gadgets! Search online to find the one or two that feel most calming for your grandchild. Remember that the simplest ones are usually the most effective because they don’t give the child one more thing to be distracted by.
2. Try other sensory objects.
Some kids will find it helpful to roll silly putty or “thinking putty” in their hands. Others will prefer Velcro strips attached to the underside of their desk or on a binder. Still, others like the feeling of plastic straws, links, or chunky nail files to roll or rub with their fingers. This is a “try it out” process, so be patient while you and your grandchild figure out what works.
3. Allow them to chew gum.
Chewing gum, if it doesn’t become a distraction, can give your grandchild’s brain alternate input needed to slow down and focus. Kids with prenatal substance exposure or ADHD often require this type of oral stimulation to concentrate.
But check with your grandchild’s teacher before sending them to school with the pack. Many school districts are beginning to understand that the repetitive action of chewing gum can help children focus on the tasks in front of them. If your grandchild’s school does not allow gum, consider letting them chew some on the way to and from school and while they do homework.
4. Use chewelry.
Think about offering your nephew or cousin chewable jewelry as an alternative to chewing gum. Known as chewelry, these objects can also provide needed input to a child’s brain or calm and soothe a child enough to allow them to concentrate.
5. Encourage your grandchild to doodle.
While it might seem distracting, giving your grandchild permission to sketch or doodle on a notepad or paper while listening to their teachers can be beneficial. They might need physical activity and creative outlets to free other parts of their brain to concentrate.
6. Explore classroom accessories.
Many classrooms are starting to normalize this mindset of allowing students to fidget by offering accessories at their desks. Ask your grandchild’s teacher what the school allows and provides for students with ADHD. There are usually many options available to teachers, and some work just as well at home for homework time.
- Yoga balls as seats
- Wiggle or disc seats
- Chair leg bands
- Swivel chairs
- Standing desks
- Desks or seats with swinging footrests
If your child’s school cannot provide one of these options, consider searching online for an inexpensive one to try at home before getting approval for use at school.
7. Background noise might help.
Some students benefit from quiet music in the background while doing seatwork. It’s crucial to pick something that won’t add to a child’s distraction. The style of music that works is usually a personal preference. If your child cannot gain permission to use headphones in the classroom, save the soothing music for homework.
8. Frequent activity breaks are a must!
Finally, offer movement breaks for a child who is easily distracted or has a lot of extra energy that keeps them from concentrating. Each child has a different limit for staying on task, and trial and error will help you figure that out. Once you know how long your grandchild can last, build activity into your homework routine.
Work with the School to Help This Child Succeed.
While you are working at home, to understand what helps your grandchild concentrate better, be patient and open to learning how they feel and what works. Be a student of your student! Then, reach out to their teacher and share your observations. Invite them to partner with you to find what works for this child at school. Working with the school and maintaining consistency at home with these tools will help the child maximize their focus and feel successful.