If there are any peaks that children with ADHD struggle to reach, focus might be the tallest one. If you’re a parent of such a kid, your mind might be filled with ideas on how to help a child with ADHD focus in school, a task that has probably had several failed attempts. ADHD symptoms are common, but their manifestation and intensity are highly individual. We’ve prepared a short but effective list of just five great tips that will enable your kid to become more attentive at school. And the best part about them? These tricks are easy to learn, and you can start this journey in a few days.
1. Breaking the Tasks Down
This is one of the most common methods recommended by people with ADHD in different groups, whether they are googling “What is Liven” to find the app that helps people concentrate or browsing on Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram for ideas.
Break the stuff down. Even the ones that seem pretty easy. By creating a sensation that this is just a small step and checking it off the list, a person gets a small motivation boost. Moreover, it provides a clear list and schedule, which are essential for children with ADHD. It can be an excellent idea for children as well.
For example, when your child is having an exam with dozens of questions, they should quickly write down the number of each task. Then, as they solve each one, they can cross it out. This has another tiny bonus: quite often, when they finish a task, it may send a small dopamine spike directly into their brain, showing that progress is actively happening. This adds an extra level of motivation.
2. Arranging Space for Focus
This technique requires parents to collaborate with educators and the school, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Offer ideas to make the space at home and school less distracting. Select school supplies that won’t be too distracting, and discuss with a child and a teacher what the best seating space is to stay focused.
Then, these steps might be wise:
- Buy your child noise-cancelling headphones.
- Arrange a corner classroom seating without external triggers.
- Allow for communication at school to provide mental stimulation, not to ignore instructions.
- Consider flexible seating that will allow for accommodating hyperactivity.
And, most importantly, listen to your child — perhaps they have some arrangements that you aren’t even yet aware of.
3. Introducing Visual Timers and Cues
Children with ADHD can snap back to studying if they get a timely reminder to maintain their attention. Many parents aren’t sure how to arrange visual timers and cues at school since it requires influencing the classroom dynamics.
However, most educators are open to adjusting the classroom environment, especially if they notice that a student with ADHD is struggling. Moreover, visual timers and cues can be helpful for all students. Make sure to consider the nuances: children with sensory sensitivity can become overstimulated by visual input. Parents can work with educators to develop a system of visual timing that signals when it’s time to start a task or transition to a new one. It can be a color-coded timer, a screen with a quiet countdown, or a small alarm clock.
If such accommodations aren’t possible, choose a timer program that operates quietly for your child to use during class hours. Even a common program in the standard smartphone’s system will do its job. Explain the importance of this tech to a teacher and ensure that it is communicated to any substitutes or anyone else who might have questions.
4. Introducing a Distraction Pad
A distraction pad will serve as a notepad for your child to keep nearby when studying. Learners with ADHD often use it to write down distracting thoughts and ideas quickly. This frees up mental space without roughly cutting out the thought, which allows a student to revisit these thoughts later after class.
This would require building a habit, something that doesn’t come naturally to most people. Just like journaling or meditation, which also call for thought reframing, jotting down thoughts in a distraction pad will become easier with repetition. Pick something that will allow them to write thoughts down quickly and without thinking about how “beautiful” the writing is. It should be messy.
5. Encouraging Self-Regulation Tools
ADHD can lead to emotional overwhelm, and emotions, when running unchecked, may dampen concentration efforts. That is why, as a parent, you can introduce your child to some simple self-regulation tools to stay focused in class.
Here are some ideas:
- A quick breathing technique that they can use quickly — the younger the kid is, the simpler the instruction. For example, teach them a quick phrasing like this: “Smell the flower, blow out the candle” (inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth). This is a quick and popular reset strategy that many children learn early on.
- Show them a “press and release” method: press your hands for five seconds under the desk, then let go.
- Depending on your child’s age and preferences, you can create a small “coping toolkit” that they can practice with you at home before trying it out in class.
You’ve Got This!
You don’t have to uproot your child’s entire routine to help them focus — these tips, realistic and practical, can be easily added to their schedule. You are making significant progress, and you should be proud of yourself and your efforts. And, even more so, of your child, of how they are just one step from becoming braver and happier. You’ll be there to witness all of it.
