How Parents Can Help Kids Stay Focused and Productive

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. As adults, we know all too well the struggles of staying focused and productive, but what about our children? With smartphones, social media, and a never-ending stream of notifications, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for children to stay on task and focused on their work. So how can parents help their children increase their ability to focus? Here are some tips to try:

Keep a Journal of Distractions

If your child finds themselves constantly getting distracted by random thoughts and ideas, encourage them to keep a journal or write on their phone or laptop a list of all the distractions that come to their mind as they work on a project. This can help them acknowledge their distractions without getting derailed by them.

Ask Yourself, "Can I Come Back to That?"

If something does distract your child while they’re working on a task, encourage them to ask themselves, “Can I come back to that when I finish what I’m doing?” If the answer is yes, encourage them to jot down the distraction so they don’t forget about it, and then refocus their attention on the task at hand.

Being Present One Minute at a Time

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for increasing focus and reducing stress, but many children (and adults) struggle with the idea of practicing mindfulness for long periods of time. Instead, encourage your child to make a point of being present in the moment each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, noticing the world around them, or engaging in a brief meditation.

One Tab Up on Computer for High Focus Times

We all know how tempting it can be to have multiple tabs open on our computers while we work, but this can actually hinder our ability to focus. Encourage your child to limit the number of tabs they have open, and to only have one tab up during high-focus times. Your family can create a weekly “One Tab Challenge” where the goal is to work with one tab at a time and to discuss how that help or hinders their work. 

Put Your Phone on Sleep Mode

Smartphones can be a major distraction for children (and adults). Encourage your child to put their phone on sleep mode when they need to focus on a task, or even to leave their phone in a different room while they work. This can help eliminate the temptation to constantly check their phone for notifications.

Turn Off Email Notifications

Email notifications can be a major source of distraction for both children and adults. Encourage your child to turn off email notifications while they’re working on a task, and to check their email during designated times throughout the day.

So, give it a try!  You can experiment with these tools to help your children increase their ability to focus and stay on task. Remember, children learn by example, so it’s important to model healthy behaviors when it comes to distractions and prioritizing time and energy.