Why Paying Attention Matters

Attention is important for educational purposes, but it’s also needed at home and for activities like sport and hobbies. The ability to focus is important in almost every area of life.Importantly, the Bible teaches us to pay attention to things that matter. For example, Proverbs 2:2 tells us to make our ears attentive to wisdom, and Hebrews 2:1 to pay close attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.As Christian parents, we want our kids to focus on the most important thing - knowing God and developing a strong, trusting, lifelong relationship with Him.There are many reasons why your child might be struggling to pay attention. Not every child with attention problems will be diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or a learning disability. Your child may be bored with the material they're learning. Maybe they don't understand what's going on in class. Or maybe there's something going on socially or at home that's bothering them.Whatever the reason, you can do numerous things to help your child focus and pay attention both at home and at school.

How Do I Know If My Child Is Having Trouble Paying Attention?

Here are six signs to look out for that could indicate your child is finding it hard to pay attention.

They are having trouble completing tasks

If you've noticed that your child is having trouble completing tasks, whether it's homework or chores around the house, it could be a sign of trouble paying attention. A child who is struggling to pay attention will likely have difficulty finishing things they start.

Child-teacher trouble

If your child’s teachers mention problems with paying attention in class, this is worth noting. Every child has a difficult day (or week) at school now and again. But if they’re frequently getting in trouble for lack of attention, it may be time to talk to the school about what's going on.

Your child's grades are slipping

Another sign that your child may be having trouble paying attention in class is if their grades start to slip. If your once straight-A student is now getting Cs, or if their grades in one particular subject start to drop, it could indicate they are having difficulty focusing. Talking to their teacher can help you get to the bottom of the issue.

They daydream more than usual

All kids daydream from time to time. But if you notice your child is zoning out more often, it may be a sign of a problem. If your child is daydreaming, they may have trouble completing tasks, both at home and at school.

They seem stressed or anxious about going to school

If your child used to love going to school but now seems anxious or stressed about it, that could suggest they are struggling to pay attention in class. Kids who are having difficulty concentrating often feel like they're falling behind and can't keep up with their classmates. This can lead to anxiety and stress.

Your child loses interest in activities they once enjoyed

If your child seems disinterested in the things they once loved, it may be because they’re struggling to pay attention. For example, if your child used to love going to soccer practice but now they're making excuses not to go, it may be because they're finding it hard to follow directions. Loss of interest in activities can also be a sign of mental health difficulties, so it’s worth looking into.

Key Reasons Why Your Child Can’t Focus in The Classroom

If your child is having trouble focusing in the classroom, you’re not alone. According to a study by the Gonski Institute for Education, nearly four in five teachers reported seeing a decline in students’ ability to focus on learning tasks. And that was before the pandemic disrupted teaching and learning across Australia.No matter the reason, if your child is struggling to focus in the classroom, it’s important to take action. Here are some key reasons why your child may be finding it hard to focus at school.

Lack of sleep

One of the most common reasons why children struggle to focus in the classroom is because they’re not getting enough sleep. According to the Growing Up in Australia study, only half of 16-17-year-olds were getting the recommended amount of sleep on school nights. And children aged 12-17 years were less likely to get the required minimum on school nights than non-school nights.As well as problems with focus and concentration, lack of sleep can cause irritability and moodiness - all of which can interfere with your child’s ability to learn and interact positively with their peers.Australian Government Guidelines recommend that:

Their diet is affecting their focus

What your child eats can have an impact on their ability to focus in the classroom. When kids skip breakfast, their blood sugar levels drop. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and make it difficult to concentrate.To help your child focus at school, make sure they eat a healthy breakfast before heading off to school. Pack a nutritious lunch and snacks for later in the day. Foods like fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and yogurt can help keep your child focused throughout the day.

Vision or hearing difficulties

If your child is having trouble seeing the blackboard, reading their textbooks, or hearing instructions from their teacher, it’s no surprise that they’re having difficulty concentrating in class. Left unmanaged, vision or hearing problems could impact your child’s ability to learn and succeed academically. If you suspect your child may be struggling with their hearing or vision, be sure to arrange an appointment with a health professional.

Stress

If your child is experiencing stress at home or school, it will be difficult for them to focus on anything else. Talk to your child's teacher to see if there is anything going on at school that may be causing stress and take steps to help reduce stress at home.

Lack of motivation

There are a number of reasons why students might lack motivation. It could be that they're more interested in things outside of school, they don't feel challenged by the material, or they don't see the relevance of what they're learning. The solution will be different for each student, so it’s important to figure out what the root cause is before taking action.

Unidentified learning styles

Every child has a preferred way of taking in and remembering new information, known as a learning style. There are three main learning styles:An unidentified learning style is a learning style that has not yet been identified by educators. If teaching doesn’t match your child’s learning style, it can be harder for them to concentrate.

Fear of looking stupid in front of class mates

This fear can manifest in several ways. Some kids may not participate in class, while others might be disruptive. It can even lead to kids avoiding school altogether.

Undiagnosed trauma

Many children have experienced some form of trauma, such as witnessing or experiencing violence. Signs of undiagnosed trauma in students include:Trauma can have a profound impact on a child's emotional and mental health, so it's important to seek professional help if you notice any of these signs.

They might have a learning disability or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

According to research by Deloitte Access Economics, ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in Australia, affecting one in 20 children.ADHD affects a person’s ability to pay attention, control impulsive behavior, and sit still—all skills that are essential for success in the classroom. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, talk to your doctor about getting a diagnosis and treatment plan.

12 Ways You Can Help Your Child’s Attention and Focus

As a parent, it’s natural to feel concerned if your child seems unfocused and uninterested at home or at school. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help your child improve their attention and focus.If you're worried that your child isn...

Pay Attention to What Matters Most

If your child struggles to pay attention, remember to focus on the long-term picture. God is not surprised about your child’s challenges. He has entrusted you to raise them up in the way they should go. He is most concerned about drawing people into his kingdom, renewing our minds, and conforming us to the image of Christ.Helping your child focus can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. God is with you on your journey of raising a young adult of good character who delights in using their unique gifts, talents and quirks for kingdom purposes.