My child gets distracted in class: what should I do?

"My son is distracted in class, what should I do?" If you observe this as a parent or get complaints from his teacher, today we will discuss on keys to help you strengthen your child's level of concentration.

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"My son is distracted in class" This exclamation, repeated frequently by many mothers, is one of the most recurrent concerns linked to school-age children. The lack of attention in children can alter the learning level and the grades of our children.

There are many publications that try to approach this topic from different points of view. I will provide an approximation to the difference between the loss of concentration and attention deficit TDA , as well as recommendations and exercises to do at school and at home.

Difference between loss of concentration and attention deficit

Before addressing this issue, it is important to make a distinction between a child who loses attention in class for external stimuli and those who actually suffer from the condition called attention deficit disorder , called ADD for short.

The first condition is more common than parents believe and never stays for a long time. Generally, it is temporary and, if provided with the necessary stimuli, they immediately recover their ability to concentrate.

In the second group there is only 5% of the child in population. The attention deficit is permanent , but in the same way children belonging to this population need even more concentration exercises than the former.

"What can I do if my child is distracted in class?"

Recommendations and exercises to recover attention

As explained in the previous section, concentration exercises are beneficial for children with loss of temporary attention due to external stimuli and for children suffering from ADD. For both, it is important to design strategies that are developed in the classroom and then reinforced at home.

Next, I will explain the actions that can be implemented in both areas:

Plan for the school

It is important that you talk with his teacher so that together you can plan a strategy for distracted children. In this sense, the most recurrent actions that include the current teaching strategies to get the attention of the infant are:

• Place the child in the first rows in front of the teacher's desk.

• Keep him away from the more talkative children, but also allow him to maintain his interaction with the other classmates.

• Speaking constantly looking him in the eyes, this will make the child feel the need to be alert.

• Ask him surprising questions frequently.

However, not all this plan must be specified in the school. At home, certain actions must also be taken to reinforce the child's ability to be attentive.

"Generally, the distraction by external stimuli is something temporary and, if the necessary stimuli are provided, the children immediately recover their ability to concentrate"

Plan for the house

There are multiple options to strengthen the care of children at home. We will begin first by the actions linked to the study or review of your school activities.

How to do homework?

It is essential that the child with attention problems have a study space of their own to perform their tasks. He should have a desk or table of his own and an ergonomic chair, he must enjoy good lighting and he must not have toys or distracting items around.

Also, you must turn off the TV and move him away from tablet or cell phone while doing his homework. Do not stay with him watching him while he is doing his review; Rather concentrate on other things around your room, get out and come back to his side.

This action encourages the behavior of the teacher in the classroom and will feel your support in carrying out their duties.

Also, tell them to start their homework whenever it is more difficult. That way, you will not feel frustrated or abandon your obligations.

Always congratulate him when he finishes his homework. Thus, he will feel encouraged to continue studying and performing his tasks; You will also feel proud of your effort.

You must take these responsibilities as a mother if your child is distracted in class.

Extra curricular activities

• Enroll them to music lessons, for example, piano or violin. Motor activities stimulate patience and concentration.

• Have the child draw or take them to painting classes.

• Give him a puzzle and help him mount it.
  Play chess with your son.

With these simple actions, your child's attention will be greatly increased. Remember that, if you have doubts about the attention deficit, you can make a test to your child to rule out this pathology with your pediatrician, a psychologist or a neurologist.