"Have you finished your homework?" is a question heard in almost every household. The answer is often "I'm almost done," when in reality the child may not have even started, not out of unwillingness, but because they are struggling to concentrate.
Many parents assume a child's ability to focus depends mainly on personality. However, experts say the way parents interact with their children plays a decisive role in strengthening concentration. They also note that attention is not a skill tied specifically to learning, but one that develops when a child feels safe, calm and connected to their environment, provided there is no underlying neurodevelopmental condition such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
What causes poor concentration
According to the American network CNBC, several factors contribute to limited concentration in children. Lack of physical movement is among them. Earlier generations were often more physically active, with children playing and running in open spaces, but this is no longer part of daily life for many families today. Children have grown accustomed to spending more time indoors, significantly limiting physical activity.
Technology also plays a role. Phones and tablets have become an easy way to occupy children, training the brain to expect rapid shifts between images and constantly seek new stimulation, which reduces the time a child can focus on a single task.
Adults contribute to this pattern as well, frequently checking their phones or juggling multiple tasks, which can mean less eye contact or distracted responses to children, behaviour children may come to see as normal. At the same time, sleep and rest time are shrinking due to busy schedules and evening screen use, leaving children insufficiently rested and less able to concentrate.
What helps
A child's presence and communication with parents matters significantly. When together, phones and other distractions should be set aside so the child receives full attention, helping them gradually learn to focus on their own tasks. Interrupting a child while they are engaged in an activity should also be avoided, as this makes concentration more difficult. Conversely, when given the time to finish what they are doing, children remain more focused.
It is equally important for parents to acknowledge a child's emotions rather than dismissing them when the child feels anxious, upset or frustrated with themselves. This acceptance creates a sense of emotional safety that can help the child calm down and return to the task at hand.
Using positive phrasing
Another effective practice is changing how instructions are phrased. Rather than focusing on what a child is doing wrong, parents are encouraged to state what they want the child to do instead. This gives the child a clearer picture that is easier for the brain to process. For example, "Stop running" becomes "Let's walk, please"; "Don't touch" becomes "Hands close to our body"; and "Stop shouting" becomes "Let's use a quiet voice." Almost any instruction that begins with "don't" can be rephrased positively, emphasising what the child should do rather than what to avoid. This small shift creates a more positive atmosphere and helps parents stay calm without raising their tone.
The power of "it's time to..."
Questions can also be reframed for better results. When it is time to leave the house and a child needs to put on shoes, rather than asking whether they will do so, parents are encouraged to say, "It's time to put your shoes on." After playtime, instead of asking why toys haven't been put away, the suggestion is "It's time to put your toys away." Children feel more secure when they know what is expected of them. Questions remain useful when there is a genuine choice involved, such as, "Do you want to wear the blue or the red T-shirt?"
A simple touch, and its effect
According to CNBC, even a simple touch can have a positive effect. When a child appears to be struggling to concentrate, rather than communicating from another room, it is recommended to approach them and gently touch their shoulder or hold their hand. Physical contact creates a connection with the adult and reassures the child that things will be alright, giving them the encouragement to continue.
Calm starts with the adult
Parents often underestimate how much their own way of handling situations matters. The calmer the adult, the calmer the child tends to be. Children unconsciously mirror adult behaviour and are affected by the energy and emotional state around them. Stress and nervousness can affect a child's ability to concentrate. For this reason, a parent's own emotional balance and daily conduct play a significant role in helping a child grow up in a calm environment and improve their concentration.
Source: CNBC
