"He is smart, but he gets distracted so easily!"

"It goes like one, two, three, four, fi...Mumma can I have a sandwich after this?"

A lot of parents complain about their child's attention span being the size of a pea. They keep grumbling about how their child could perform better in their daily activities only if they cared to try and concentrate just a bit more. Only parents would know how much patience it takes to run a 6-year-old through the alphabets (don't even get me started on counting and numbers!). I get it, kids are like that. But if kids, in their most natural tendencies, can get distracted easily, then parents, in their most natural tendencies, can always try on getting them to concentrate more. So take a dive into your 'natural tendencies' and read the 5 tips that can boost your child's concentration.

1. Understand what distracts them

Well, kids are curious beings. Little things can excite and distract them. But our job as parents is to see what distracts them. Is it the TV, phone, playing outside, or food? When you understand the pattern, you will be able to create better ways of keeping them engaged in the things you want them to do. For example, if you see that your child is usually distracted by technology, you can make sure that when he is studying, you keep it away from him.

2. Small + many other smalls = big!

Imagine yourself working at your desk. Your boss comes to you and lists you 15 new tasks. What would your reaction be like? However, if the same tasks are given to you over a course of time, you are more likely to react to them positively. Well, that is your kid in a nutshell. She does not want to be bombarded with tasks but would put her best when the same task is divided into smaller ones. Big projects require a lot of focus, hard work, and dedication and you might as well demand that from your little one in EMIs.

PRO TIP: when giving your child time-bound exercises, make sure you create appropriate deadlines. You don't want them to be overwhelmed with tasks or get used to working in their slow, lazy time-frame.

3. Routine is not that bad

When it comes to children, following a set routine can help them concentrate better. When they know that they have to do their homework at 7 pm in the evening, they will be mentally prepared to do the same. It helps when your daughter knows that it's time for her to switch her 'study mode' on! This will also help her manage her time better.

4. Naps and breaks and concentration

Little breaks and naps can actually help your child to concentrate better. Encourage them to take a five-minute break or a twenty-minute nap every once in a while. It will help your son relax and rewire his little but vibrant brain.

5. Let them be

One of the most effective things you can do for improving your child's concentration is to let them choose.

"So sweetheart, I see that you have math and science homework today. Which one would you like to do first?"

"Alright you seem to be enjoying playing right now, but we also have to work on your project. What time do you think we should do that?"

When you let your child choose, they feel in charge and participate more actively. This, indirectly, will make them feel more involved and increase their concentration.

So these were the five tips that helped me increase my 6-year-old daughter's attention span. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know!

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