Smart, but not paying attention

"I just had parent/teacher conferences, and the teachers all told me that my son is very smart, but he really struggles with paying attention. Is there anything that I can do at home to help him?"

I hear this question probably on a daily basis. The answer is yes, there are some fun and simple things that you can do at home.

First of all, you need to realize that because your son is bright, the thoughts that are going on in his head, are far more interesting to him than what the teacher is saying. His brain may also move at a faster pace and therefore, a long lecture is almost impossible for him to focus in on. That being said, there are some things that you can teach him to make school a little easier for him.

1. Play the list game at the table during supper, or even in the car while driving. Here is how you play. Begin by saying, "I am going to say something that I want you to repeat back to me, are you ready?" Then say, "I am going to the store to buy potatoes, bread and milk." Have him repeat back what you just said to him. Most of the time, students with attention or focus problems cannot repeat more than two items back. Explain that the definition of listening is to be able to repeat back that which the messenger has said. Practice lists of three for awhile and then slowly move on to longer lists. This will slowly increase his ability to focus on longer messages. Allow him to make messages for you as well. (You may be surprised to see that your attention isn't that long either.)

2. When you give your child a list of tasks to do, always have him repeat them back to you. For example, when you tell him to brush his teeth, put his pajamas on, and layout his clothes for tomorrow; you may find that he'll complete one of these if you are lucky. Again, usually lists of three are too long. ALWAYS have him repeat it back to you by saying, "Ok, now repeat back to me what I asked you to do." If he can't, you know that your list was too long.

3. If you have the opportunity to talk to your child's teacher, you will want to let him/her know that you are working on these things at home. The teacher will probably be willing to follow through with some of these ideas as well.

Just remember that your child wants to pay attention. This will help you to stay positive as you help him work through staying focussed on what others are saying.