You’ve probably grappled with this topic for years.
Fortunately, there are a number of educational principles that you can apply to improve your child’s attentiveness.
Here are some helpful tips:
1. Limit distractions
Children are often tuned in to something else at the exact moment when you want to express an important point. If the television is on or your child has earbuds in, it’s unlikely that anything you say is going to resonate.
Before beginning, take a moment to focus your child. Wait until your child has put down the device or distraction and can absorb the point you’re making.
2. State your expectation
Have you ever felt like your boss was asking you to do something that you didn’t understand? It’s quite possible that the communication problem was caused by a lack of clarity on your boss’s part.
This can happen with your child as well. Therefore, be sure you’re perfectly clear on what you want your child to do or learn.
3. Follow through
Children are smart, and they’re aware of what they can and can’t get away with. Since you’re the one setting the precedent, be sure to mean what you say and follow through with your promises.
By “walking the walk,” you’ll gain your child’s trust and encourage him or her to listen more attentively.
4. Be consistent
This goes hand-in-hand with following through. Children like a consistent setting where they know what to expect, and this goes for the home as well as the classroom.
By setting habitual patterns that your child can anticipate, you will increase his or her attention span and focus.
5. Focus on your child’s actions, not on character.
We all make mistakes, children included, and it’s important to help them understand which behaviors are acceptable.
It’s recommended to critique and advise your child based on actions rather than one’s character.
For example, instead of saying, “You’re awful,” concentrate on critiquing the action, “Speaking to your brother that way was terrible.”
Correcting a negative action rather than attacking a child’s personal character is strongly recommended to help your child learn from mistakes, while maintaining self-esteem.
Would you like to learn more about helping your child become a more focused and attentive student?
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