How to Help Your Child Improve Focus and Reduce Distraction

Many mothers today face a common challenge: their children are easily distracted and have trouble concentrating, especially with the widespread use of electronic devices like tablets. This often makes it hard for children to focus during lessons and affects their academic performance.

Mothers sometimes use ineffective approaches to handle their child’s inattention. It’s important to recognize that a child who is easily distracted is not lazy or failing, but needs proper guidance. Educational consultant Sherine Saleh shares some key steps to help your child focus without harming their self-esteem:

1. Reduce Visual and Audio Distractions

The child’s learning environment has a huge impact on their ability to focus. Children with high intelligence can still struggle to concentrate if surrounded by distractions. Electronic devices, especially tablets with games, are a major source of distraction. According to a Stanford University study, children who learn in simple, tidy environments without electronic devices concentrate 30% better than those exposed to constant stimuli.

Make sure your child’s study area is quiet, well-lit, and free from devices.

2. Break Homework into Small, Manageable Tasks

Large assignments can overwhelm children and lower their focus. Divide homework into clear, small steps. For example, instead of saying "Do all your homework," say "Complete the math problems" or "Read the first paragraph of your reading lesson." This makes tasks clearer and easier to start.

3. Use a Timer to Manage Focus Periods (Pomodoro Technique)

Try using timed work sessions, such as 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. This method improves concentration and commitment. It works not only for homework but also for other tasks like gardening or tidying up.

4. Praise Effort, Not Just Results

Always praise your child’s effort to encourage motivation. Avoid punishing or scolding them if their results aren’t perfect, as this can harm their focus and confidence. Praise specific efforts—like memorizing a line of a poem—and encourage them to perform it for others without exaggerating your praise. Avoid criticism when tasks take longer than expected.

5. Boost Your Child’s Confidence Without Comparing Them to Others

Comparing your child to siblings or classmates can damage their self-esteem and motivation. Children who feel undervalued may lose their drive to improve. Instead, encourage your child with positive affirmations like, "You are making progress in your own way, and I appreciate that." Focus on their individual growth and support them in overcoming challenges patiently.

Summary

Children’s attention can improve significantly when supported with understanding and effective strategies. Creating a calm study environment, breaking tasks down, managing focus time, praising effort, and avoiding harmful comparisons will help your child build confidence and succeed academically.