Attention and Focus
Does your child struggle with attention or focus?
Especially right now, you may be noticing that your child is having difficulty with attention. You may see this translate to being impatient with independent play, demonstrating more aggressive behaviors when trying to learn, or retracting into solitude.
I want to propose 5 different, natural ways you can help increase your child's attention at home:
Sensory breaks: give your child the time they need to run around in the backyard, make a mess with play-doh, or jump on the trampoline for a bit. This type of input could be the exact stimulation their bodies need to get their central nervous system reorganized and able to focus again once they come back inside. When the brain is overwhelmed it cannot function -- but if you provide the body with an outlet, the brain can "reset" and you will notice a huge shift almost immediately.
Use the olfactory system: did you know the olfactory system (our sense of smell) is directly connected to our brain? In fact, the part of our brain that is responsible for memory and emotions. If your child is having difficulty with attention, try diffusing essential oils such as Vetiver or Frankincense in the room they are playing/working in. The studies that link vetiver EO specifically to improved executive functioning are profound!
Eat more Omega-3s: wild-caught salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds -- these are all great sources of omegas that have been proven to improve brain function. Your brain needs fatty oils to work optimally, and increasing your intake of this essential nutrient could make a HUGE difference in your child! Seeds can be easily blended into smoothies if your child is hesitant to eat Omega-3s in other forms.
Use the inchworm technique: utilizing moments of proximity and distance strategically throughout your days with your child could make a big difference in their ability to play independently and focus on other tasks while you get some alone time. For example, start your day with a family breakfast, then usher your child into an activity such as arts & crafts, then join together again possibly to read a book when they seem to be needing it, then encourage them to work on building blocks for a bit, then reconvene for snack time where they have your undivided attention. The key here is to use those times of closeness to your advantage to fill their emotional tank! That is the fuel to getting them through more independent times of work/play.
Ensure quality rest: one of the main issues I see with children struggling with attention and focus is that they are not getting adequate rest. Maybe they are getting enough "quantity" sleep, but not enough quality (restlessness, difficulty settling, poor naps). A few strategies I always suggest from the start: limiting screen time will help your child unwind and give their brains the margin they need to decompress; utilizing a weighted blanket and essential oils such as peace and calming or lavender can help their sensory systems wind down for sleep; having consistent routines every single day before nap time/bedtime helps children's "memory banks" know what to do and how to settle in well for sleep.
Hope these tips were helpful -- as always, please reach out if you have any questions or would like to set up a 1:1 consultation.