10 Ways to Support Your Child's Ability to Focus

Let's face it, we live in a super busy world and at some point, our kids are going to have a hard time staying focused now, and throughout life.

If I think about how many things I have on my own mind right this very moment, I can completely see how children can struggle to focus!  I struggle to focus some days despite all the tools and tricks of my trade that I use!

The good news, the sooner you start making a few changes, the sooner you can truly support your child's focus now, and offer them tools to use for the rest of their lives.

As you go through these handy focus supporting Mom hacks, do not sell yourself short!  Think about which of these you can be using or the simple changes you can make for your own focus as well.  Because at the end of the day, the more we are focused and can focus on our kids, the more they watch us using healthy habits and supportive tools to copy our behavior.

So here goes!

1. Use Citrus Essential Oils in the Diffuser:  Citrus essential oils like orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit have refreshing aromas that can boost energy and enhance focus. Adding a few drops to a diffuser in your child's study area can really help uplift their mood and increase their focus.
2. Embrace a Balanced Diet:  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can help maintain steady energy and blood sugar levels throughout the day. Reducing processed foods and foods with food dye, and incorporating more fresh produce can lead to improved concentration and overall well-being.
3. Limit Sugar to Prevent Spikes and Drops:  Excessive sugar can cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, affecting focus and behavior, and honestly, can make your child feel miserable, irritated, and deplete their energy. Try to limit sugary snacks and opt for natural sources of sweetness like fruit. This approach can help keep your child's energy and focus more stable and offer your child's body extra nutrients it needs.
4. Encourage Outdoor Activities:  Spending time outdoors provides fresh air, exercise, and a break from screens. Encourage your child to play outside daily, whether it's a game of soccer, a nature walk, or riding bikes. This physical activity helps burn off excess energy and improves focus.  If you can't get them to be active on their own, do it with them.  
5. Find Indoor Activities for Rainy Days:  When outdoor play isn't an option, find indoor activities that promote movement and creativity. Build an indoor obstacle course or dance to music to keep your child active and engaged.
6. Maintain a Solid Sleep Routine:  Adequate sleep is essential for focus and cognitive function. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and ensure your child is getting enough rest. Aim for a regular schedule even on weekends to help maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
7. Engage in Activities They Love:  Encourage your child to pursue hobbies and activities they enjoy, as these can promote focus and creativity. Whether it's drawing, playing an instrument, or building models, passion-driven activities are likely to keep them engaged on the right stuff versus the distracting stuff.
8. Reduce Screen Time:  Excessive screen time can be a major distraction and hinder focus. Limit TV, video games, and other screens, especially during study or homework time. Encourage more hands-on and interactive activities to keep their attention focused.
9. Use Nature Noisemakers:  Background noise can disrupt focus, especially from TVs, radios, or loud advertisements. Nature noise machines or apps that play calming sounds like rain or waves can create a more serene atmosphere, helping your child stay on track.
10. Support Their Nutritional Needs:  Ensure your child is getting the necessary nutrients to support brain function and focus (healthy proteins, eggs, wild caught fatty fish, healthy fats from organic olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds). Supplements like magnesium (depending on type of magnesium, used when needed, can help support constipation, anxiety, muscle tension, sleep and even more ailments than listed, making it a great topic to discuss a possible deficiency with your provider), EPA & DHA (omega 3's found in wild salmon), probiotics (low sugar greek yogurt, sauerkraut, pickles), and vitamin D (at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily, however, many still have low levels depending on the season) can be helpful, but always consult a healthcare provider before introducing new supplements to find out if your child truly needs them and how much or at what dose.

By incorporating these tips into your family's routine, you can help create an environment that supports your child's focus and well-being. Consistency is key, and small changes can make a big difference in your child's ability to concentrate and stay on track.

Cheer's to healthy routines and healthy habits that support your child's focus!

Want to Learn More Ways to Naturally Support Your Child? Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter!