Understanding and Supporting Your Child’s Attention Struggles
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Dear Mom and Dad,
So, you've received a letter from the school or had a chat during parent-teacher conferences about your child's attention struggles. It's okay to feel a bit lost or even embarrassed. But you're not alone. Many parents have been in your shoes. I'm here to share some insights about attention, offer some home strategies, and guide you on how to advocate for your child. This will give you a sense of control and confidence as you navigate this challenge with your child.
What Does It Mean to 'Pay Attention'?
Paying attention can be thought of as focusing on specific information or tasks while tuning out or ignoring others. We have a limited amount of attentional resources, so we must choose wisely where to direct them. If children have problems paying attention, they are struggling to choose what their attention is focused on.
Depending on the child’s age, this might be completely age-appropriate. Attention is involuntary for children under the age of two. They don’t have any ability to choose where their attention goes. Children between the ages of 2-3 have one channel of attention but can shift attention with the help of an adult. Shifting attention at that age is incredibly difficult. A parent or a teacher gently correcting “come see” to something age-appropriate when a three-year-old is getting into something they aren’t supposed to be is a great tool. Between the ages of 3 and 4, children still only have one channel of attention. However, children at this age can shift their attention on their own. Over time, children gradually develop the ability to manage multiple channels of attention.
When Intervention Might Be Necessary
When an older child is struggling to pay attention, this is when intervention might be necessary. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is probably what people think of most often when they think of inattention in school. ADHD is a biological condition where the brain’s neurons are under-responsive to dopamine. Dopamine plays a significant role in attention, and ADHD can result in a child having difficulty with prolonged attention, switching attention, and impulse control.
ADHD is not the only reason a child might struggle with paying attention. When children are scared, it is tough to pay attention to class because their attention is focused on identifying threats. Children with trauma and/or anxiety might be struggling to pay attention because they don’t feel safe. Children also need to meet biological needs before they can pay attention. Sufficient physical exercise, nutrition, and sleep are essential for attention to thrive.
What Can You Do at Home to Support Your Child?
Physical Activity: Exercise is essential for both children with ADHD and neurotypical children. Engaging in family physical activity such as walks after school, taking breaks during homework for physical activity, and providing safe opportunities for play can boost attention.
Planning and Organization: Children who have trouble with planning and organization need help from caregivers to improve these skills. Making schedules and routines helps kids manage tasks more easily, requiring less mental energy to get started. Using rewards can also help kids practice and get better at these skills. Help teenagers create their schedules, routines, and rewards so they can do them for themselves as adults. Apps like Habitica can gamify daily tasks to engage children and teens better.
Reading Together: Books like "Cory Stories: A Kid’s Book About Living with ADHD" by Jeanne Kraus can help children feel validated and understood, providing them with a developmentally appropriate understanding of their challenges.
Engaging Movement Devices: Devices like “Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet” and “Bouncy Bands” can give children a way to engage in movement when doing classwork and homework, increasing their ability to focus.
Information for Caregivers
Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD: This blog post from the Child Mind Institute explores other sources of attention issues.
Quick Guide to ADHD: A resource introducing ADHD, its diagnosis, and treatment.
ADHD in Girls: Learn how ADHD can present differently in girls.
Guide to ADHD Medications: This guide explains various ADHD medications, their benefits, and side effects.
Podcast on IEP & 504 Plans: The ADDitude podcast helps parents navigate educational plans for children with ADHD.
Improving Executive Functions: This podcast episode discusses innovative ways to enhance executive functioning.
Understanding the nuances of inattention and implementing supportive strategies can significantly impact your child's ability to focus and succeed in school. Remember, attention develops over time, and with the right support, children can thrive both academically and personally.
You’ve got this,
Sarah Campbell, MS, PLPC, NCC