Pay Attention
ask an expert: parentingcanada
(May.11.10)
My daughter constantly has her head in the clouds. How do you get a daydreamer to take school and homework seriously?
Natalia G. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and SweetMama expert (and Child Psychologist) Dr. Jessica Cooperman, answered;
It’s not uncommon for kids to be distracted at school and during homework. The first thing to do is to figure out why:
Is my child’s work environment too distracting? For most kids, homework is best done in a quiet place with little distraction. For younger children, it is useful to have an adult within close reach to help answer questions and redirect the child back on task. As well, the strategy of “dessert after dinner” is best. Try saying: When you finish your homework, then you can play on the computer.
When they're at school, talk to the teacher about having your child sit at the front of the room. Not only will they be better supervised, but as well, they'll have much less distraction between themselves and the teacher.
Are my expectations of my child’s attention span unrealistic? During preschool and kindergarten in particular, it is best not to measure your child’s attention span against classmates who may be significantly older. In those early years, a few months of development makes a difference. Look for gains in attention over the course of the school year.
Is the work too easy? Sometimes, a child is bored because she or he is functioning at a higher level than her classmates. A meeting with the teacher may prove helpful in deciding whether enrichment is possible and/or whether gifted testing is appropriate.
Is the work too difficult? A child may tune out or resent school because she or he finds it discouraging to constantly be behind or be failing. A meeting with the teacher may be appropriate to discuss areas of difficulty and strategies to make things more manageable. Often, minor adjustments make a big difference.
If you and the teacher determine that difficulties are significant, it may be worthwhile to consult with a psychologist who can identify whether the distractibility is due to a true attentional problem, a learning disability, a behaviour problem, or an emotional difficulty. In young children, very different problems can often present with the same outward symptoms.
Dr. Jessica Cooperman is a clinical psychologist working in private practice in Toronto as well as at a hospital in York Region. In her other life, Dr. Cooperman is trying to implement her own advice as she negotiates the challenging role of Mom to a toddler and preschooler. For more information, please contact Dr. Cooperman at dr.cooperman@sympatico.ca.
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**The information above is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.