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FOCUS: How can I make my attention span better?

Would you like to improve yours or your child’s attention span or concentration?

Children are full of energy. Some have that extra energy and it becomes very difficult to make them sit and complete a given task. They are very curious too. Their minds get distracted quickly. For some, their attention is so short that even at play they may keep switching from one toy to another. And if they are asked to do activities involving school work or studies you will have a greater difficulty at hand as these would require concentration.

Parents would always hear complaints of lack of attention or focus or concentration. Lack of attention may cause problems at school and or even later at work.

It may sound tricky or one may be overwhelming, but if one is consistent, it is possible to improve concentration skills and help build focus. 

Attention span may vary from age to age. For example, a five-year-old may be able to sustain focus for about 15 minutes whereas a ten-year-old may be able to sustain attention for an hour. Well, at times children may find it difficult to concentrate even for a shorter while if the task is uninteresting or there may be too many distractions. Distractions could be visual, auditory or kinesthetic.

Enjoying some of these activities can help develop better concentration. It should never feel like a task or homework. These activities should be part of fun play.

Doing these activities together would encourage enthusiasm and develop interest helping you to stay focused.

• Card Games or Memory Games- played with cards would be fun. Uno may improve attention for numbers.
• Puzzles- Jigsaw Puzzles help improve attention and concentration, hand-eye coordination and would also help in thinking logically to solve problems.
• Crossword Puzzles or Word Search- can improve attention for words and build vocabulary.
• Mazes- Join the dots- Spot the Differences- Find the Hidden Pictures, all of these help in improving observation skills, concentration, attention and fine motor skills.
• Match the Column- you could be creative and depending on the age level, make worksheets to match the columns. One may match numbers to first letters; match animals to pairs or match parts of the body, just be creative.
• Pattern Worksheets- where one can copy the same patterns or do the opposite or reverse or complete the patterns.
• Memory games- like showing some objects for a minute and then saying it aloud; or showing memory cards.
• Tangrams are fun.
• Classic Simon says.

Additional to the above strategies, you may also try these fruitful strategies:

• Set up a suitable environment at home, especially for study time. Minimize distractions like sound, (television, music or even talking), reduce movements, (walking around); lighting should be proper, regulate the temperature of the room. Keep all the materials required during study time nearby.
• Reduce screen time.
• Preparing time tables for study and play. Set achievable goals.
• Give proper break time.
• Assign responsibilities.
• Exercise regularly.
• Practice breathing techniques.
• Eat healthy, rest enough, and sleep well.
• Be patient and understanding. Be encouraging.
• Reward system works. But be realistic. Do not overindulge.

We at ImPerfect, believe that you can be consistent and enjoy every moment as it comes. 

Our professional team of psychologists are here to help you through your rough life journey.