Attention and Concentration in Children: Strategies for Success at Home & School
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining focus can be hard—even for adults. For children, attention and concentration are critical to learning, managing emotions, and engaging in everyday activities. But what happens when your child finds it tough to sit still, follow instructions, or stay on task?
In this post, we explore why attention challenges occur, how to spot them, and strategies to support your child’s focus both at home and in the classroom.
What Does Attention Look Like?
Attention is a skill that develops over time. Children aren’t born with the ability to concentrate for long periods—and that’s okay! However, red flags to watch for include:
Difficulty sitting still or staying on task
Jumping from one activity to another
Trouble finishing activities or remembering instructions
Emotional outbursts during focus tasks
These signs don’t always point to ADHD—but they are a signal that support may be needed.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
OTs look at how a child’s sensory processing, emotional regulation, and environment affect their ability to focus. We help identify what’s getting in the way and provide practical, personalised strategies.
Simple Strategies to Try at Home
1. Break tasks into chunks
One big task can feel overwhelming. Break it into steps with mini rewards along the way.
2. Create consistent routines
Routine reduces cognitive load and helps kids anticipate what’s next.
3. Reduce distractions
Minimise background noise, visual clutter, or other competing stimuli when your child is doing a focus task.
4. Use movement breaks
Short bursts of movement (like animal walks or stretching) help reset the brain and body.
5. Praise effort, not outcome
Celebrate focus and persistence rather than perfection.
Partnering with Your Child’s Team
If your child is struggling at school, working with teachers and allied health professionals can make a big difference. An OT can offer insights and classroom strategies tailored to your child’s needs.
At Moment by Moment, we take a compassionate, whole-child approach to focus and learning—helping kids grow in confidence, capacity, and calm.
Need support with your child’s focus and attention?
Reach out to our team to learn how occupational therapy can help.