What are the Reasons for Concentration Problem in a Child

Getting children to focus is not easy, and many parents seem to struggle through it. It might seem worrisome; some parents may also wonder if there is something wrong with their children. But rest assured, concentration problems are very common in children. Read on to understand what concentration problems in kids are and how you can help your child develop focus.

What are Concentration Problems in Children?

If your child has difficulty focusing on something for very long, he may be suffering from some problems with concentration. This lack of focus can be seen in his studies and other activities as well.

How to Know Your Child Lacks Concentration

Things you may notice in your child if he is having trouble with concentration include:

• Distracted very easily
• Fidgety
• Prone to losing things
• Unable to keep things organised
• Unable to follow instructions
• Has trouble with school work
• Moody, irritable or aggressive
• Unable to maintain friendships

What Causes Concentration Problems in Kids

Here are some of the things that may be responsible for concentration difficulty in a child:

1. Difficult Tasks

If your child finds the tasks in question to be very difficult or challenging for him to manage, he will not be able to concentrate on them very well.

What You Can Do About It 

Break the big tasks down into smaller tasks that appear simpler to your child and ensure that they are age-appropriate.

2. Available Distractions

Children are naturally curious, but they are not very eager to sit down in one place and concentrate. Their wandering minds are more likely to get distracted by anything, such as the TV, radio, things going on outside the window, etc.

What You Can Do About It 

Ensure that the room your child is working in is free from distractions.

3. Seek Attention From Parents

Behaving in a negative way is a common way for children to get their parents’ attention, and not doing their work and not concentrating properly can often be a way to get it.

What You Can Do About It 

Spend some quality time with your child every day. This will make them less likely to keep losing focus when you are trying to help them with their school work or other activities.

4. Diet Matters

Poor nutrition and skipping breakfast is a very common reason for poor concentration.

What You Can Do About It 

Stick to giving your child a well-balanced diet on a daily basis and ensure he does not skip breakfast.

5. Not Enough Sleep

For children to be at their best, they need to get at least eight to twelve hours of sleep every night. Those who do not get enough will naturally be unable to concentrate well on the tasks at hand.

What You Can Do About It 

Ensure that your child has a good sleeping routine and do not allow him to stay up too late at night. The best hours for your little one to sleep is from 7:30 onwards, depending on his age.

6. Personal Problems

Having problems that trouble a child will naturally affect his ability to concentrate. If there is trouble at home, your child will most likely be disturbed and find it challenging to focus on his regular activities.

What You Can Do About It 

If there is trouble at home, try to keep it away from your child as it can have a very damaging effect on him.

7. No Motivation or Interest

When children are not interested in something, they will have trouble focusing on it. Lack of motivation is another reason why they may find it challenging to concentrate. Most often, lack of interest or motivation affects children who are more advanced.

What You Can Do About It 

Find a way to keep your child motivated and interested in the subject at hand. Consult a professional if you are unable to find a way yourself.

8. Lack of Exercise

Without the proper amount of physical exercise, your child is bound to become lazy and lethargic, and their powers of concentration will also wane.

What You Can Do About It 

Switch off the TV, put down the smartphones and get off the computer. Take your child out; ride bikes together, play catch or walk the dog. Physical exercise is important.

9. Grief

If there has been a loss in the family, such as the death of a loved one, it can negatively impact your child’s concentration.

What You Can Do About It 

Talk to your child or send him for counselling if needed. Help your child through a difficult time.

10. Mismatched Learning Style

Not all children learn the same way. Some are better at reading and writing, but others are a bit more practical.

What You Can Do About It 

Find the right style of learning for your child.

11. Organisation Problems

If your child has a disorganised workspace or notebook, this can lead to him spending more time looking for the right material than paying attention to what is taught.

What You Can Do About It 

Help your child organise his school bag and make sure that you check his work every day. Teach your child to be organised as it helps him greatly in the long run.

12. Learning Difficulties

Learning difficulties such as ADD, Dyslexia, or ADHD may be responsible for the inability to concentrate.

What You Can Do About It 

Consult a professional for a thorough diagnosis and seek guidance on how to move forward if your child has a learning disability.

Addressing issues that can have a major influence on your child’s concentration will go a long way. Rectifying concentration issues not only help him in school but also through his adult life, especially when it pertains building a better career.

Also Read:

Mental Disorder in Kids – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
15 Mind- Boggling Brain Games for Kids to Boost Thinking Capability
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children