How to Improve a Child's Focus

All children have difficulty focusing at one time or another depending upon what's going on in their lives. Children who suffer with attention deficit disorder, however, need more special attention and help to improve focus and concentration. The University of Michigan Health Systems says to target one to three behaviors at a time rather than try to change your child's behavior overnight. You can, for example, focus more intently first on helping your child to improve his reading skills before moving on to writing.

Things You'll Need

  • Cod liver oil
  • Vegetables
  • Lean meats

Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a daily routine. Create an organized schedule that includes meal times, bedtime and play time. Help your child prepare for the day ahead by laying out his clothes and writing a list of tasks for the day. You can start by giving your child one responsibility each day. For example, instruct him to feed the dog when he gets home from school. Add to your child's chores and tasks as he gets older to instill responsible behaviors. This can help him stay focused as he grows. Always start with small steps in the beginning though.

    • 2

      Give your child one tablespoon of cod liver oil each morning before breakfast. Buy lemon flavor to mask the bitter taste. "Life Extension Magazine" says that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for those with behavioral disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Healthy fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 are essential for good brain function. Cod liver contains vitamins A and D and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

    • 3

      Feed your child a whole foods diet that contains mostly vegetables and lean meats throughout the day. Some good choices are salmon, chicken, artichokes, carrots and turkey. Avoid giving your child processed foods or any foods with additives. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that the "Feingold Diet" is the most well-known diet for ADHD. This diet consists mainly of fresh natural whole foods.

      Avoid giving your child foods that can cause allergic reactions such as eggs, milk, wheat and foods with other additives. The Feingold diet does not include foods that contain salicylates such as berries, tomatoes and grapes. Do not feed your child these foods unless you know she is not allergic to salicylates. You can follow the general guidelines for this diet by mainly feeding your child vegetables and lean meats or by getting complete details about the plan in the resource section of this article.

    • 4

      Set aside time after school so you can spend at least thirty minutes of one-on-one time with your child each day. Focus on one skill until your child masters that skill or becomes competent for his age group. You can start with reading and then work more intently on writing and other skills. Your child may have several different types of homework assignments you can help him with, but spend extra time on one particular skill. Ask him to read aloud. Help him focus by reminding him to look at the words if his mind starts to wander off. With practice and persistence your child can learn to focus.

    • 5

      Put your child to bed early each night. Sometimes children with ADHD have difficultly sleeping, but a good night's rest can help curb their symptoms so they can focus better the next day. Make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity during the day by encouraging involvement in sports and outside play. Dim the lights in the house one hour before bedtime and take the time to read to your child. Don't allow snacking after dinner.

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