The ability to pay attention may be easy to take for granted, but it helps everyone, including children, move through daily life more easily. Attention is an executive function skill. Think of it as a mental spotlight that focuses on specific information while filtering out distractions.
If your child struggles to pay attention during everyday tasks, working with a speech therapistmay help. A speech therapist can provide professional guidance for concentration difficulties. You can also try simple strategies at home to support your child’s attention. Here is a closer look at what can cause attention difficulties and how you can help.
What can cause attention problems in children?
Attention problems in children are often related to ADHD, brain trauma, or other conditions that cause cognitive decline. Among these causes, ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is one of the more common issues in children.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 11% of children ages 4 to 17. Signs of ADHD in children may include:
- Difficulty focusing on one specific task
- Forgetfulness or difficulty with memory
- Acting before thinking
- Impatience or difficulty waiting for their turn
- Difficulty controlling impulses
- A high level of energy or activity
- Interrupting or speaking at inappropriate times
- Difficulty following instructions
- Fidgeting or squirming while seated
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5 ways to support your child’s attention
Whether your child’s attention problems stem from ADHD or another cause, you can use several approaches at home to support their concentration. These approaches are known as compensatory strategies.
Every brain is different, so a strategy may work differently from one child to another or from one situation to the next. Here are 5 compensatory strategies that often help children who have attention difficulties.
1. Learn your child’s attention limit and recognize when they need a break
At times, your child may be doing well and “firing on all cylinders.” They might move through their homework with ease or quickly finish the puzzle they have been working on.
At other times, your child may struggle to find words, miscalculate, or start dropping things. These can be signs of mental fatigue. Without a break, they will likely continue making errors.
When you next notice signs of fatigue, ask your child to pause and take a break. You can also plan breaks before they begin a task, such as a school project. Allow extra time for the breaks they may need. This simple strategy can make a major difference for your child.
2. Identify when your child is most attentive and schedule demanding tasks for that time
Many people perform certain tasks better at particular times of day. A child who is a morning person may wake up ready to get started, then slow down as the day goes on. Another child may take longer to get going in the morning but become more focused later in the day.
Whenever possible, schedule activities that demand more focus and concentration for the times when your child performs best. For example, perhaps your child needs to clean their room but struggles to finish the job in the evening. Move that chore to the morning and see whether it makes a difference.
3. Make sure your child gets enough sleep
Tiredness can make it difficult for anyone to pay attention. Work out how much sleep helps your child achieve their best concentration and cognitive function. Every child is different, but a reasonable bedtime on most nights can help establish a healthy sleep schedule. Following that schedule consistently is key. See this resource for recommended amounts of sleep by age, from infancy through the teen years.
4. Use a visual cue to help your child stay focused
Visual reminders can be especially useful for people with attention difficulties. Try this approach: The next time your child works on a task, place a brightly colored note card where they can easily see it as a reminder to focus. The card might show an image such as a brain or lightbulb. You can also choose another eye-catching object that signals to your child that it is time to stay on task.
5. Reduce distractions
Sometimes children simply need fewer distractions around them. Too much activity or noise can make it difficult for the brain to focus on the task at hand. Try these steps to limit distractions:
- Offer your child headphones or earplugs to reduce noise
- Silence electronic devices and turn off notifications
- Set up your child’s workspace to limit visual distractions, such as by facing away from the TV or avoiding a seat in front of a window
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How can speech therapy help children with attention difficulties?
If you believe your child needs more support with attention skills, speak with their pediatrician. The pediatrician can recommend any testing or therapy that may be necessary.
People with attention problems, especially ADHD, often have other communication difficulties as well.
Speech therapy is one form of therapy that can support children with attention problems. A licensed speech therapist can help your child practice activities that require greater concentration. The therapist can also teach you and your child specific strategies for supporting attention at home, at school, and during other tasks. The goal is to help your child function as easily as possible in daily life.
People with attention problems, particularly ADHD, may also have other communication difficulties. These can include receptive and expressive language disorders, social communication disorder, or stuttering. Speech therapists can treat difficulties in these areas too.
Talk with your child’s pediatrician about any concerns you have. Attention difficulties can create stress and frustration at home and at school. The sooner your child receives the support they need, the better.