The most important key to be a successful student is the ability to concentrate and focus on what you are studying. This is contrary to the general belief of people where they think that the efficiency of students related to learning is only governed by self-discipline and willpower. Many students face trouble concentrating in the class and also at home while studying sometime or the other throughout in their academic life. When it happens with relatively younger kids the parents are often left wondering why their kids are unable to focus and whether they have a learning disability like ADHD. The concentration issues in children can be due to varied causes. 

Signs That the Child Has Problems in Focusing While Studying

As a parent if you notice these signs in your child then he might be having trouble focusing in studies.

• Lower grades
• A dislike for school
• Not willing to wake up in morning for school and lacking the interest in general
• Disruptive behavior in class

Now let us look at the reasons and the factors that might be affecting the focusing ability in your child. In addition, let us also figure out the ways to address them for better tackling and handling. 

1. Lack of Practice

It is seen that the main reason why some young students are unable to focus in their class is due to the new environment and unfamiliar routine. This is also common in older students and is seen especially after long breaks from school like summer break. This factor is easily recognizable and can be pointed out when children are seen off the routine and lazy to even talk about classes. Their lack of focus is noted when they are unable to comprehend about their classes or day at school.

How to address this?

It is important for parents to take this head on to prevent the child from losing out the important lessons in class. The most effective and practical way is to talk about the school routine before the reopening of school. Talk about how their routine will change and start practicing the new routine few days ahead so that they become more familiar with it. 

Also, usually parents know the syllabus and what will be taught in classes after classes resume. Take this opportunity to make them practice those concepts and problems at home so that they feel confident and attentive in class due to spiked interest. 

2. Giving in To Procrastination or Opting the Habit of Stalling

Our kids are living in the age of technology with increasing distractions around them. Smartphone is the biggest distraction with kids being attracted to it foe games and older kids for social medias especially. This makes the calls of procrastination very difficult to resist. Scientifically it has been proven that human brain prefers short term rewards over long term benefits. Kids don’t see studying as fruitful as winning a game in the present scenario and thus are led to lose their focus on studying. 

What Is the Solution for This?

A most straightforward solution to this problem is elimination of the distraction resources temporarily for the kid. Setting daily objectives for kids is a practical approach for tuning their brains into studies more. Adequate breaks can be served as reward for a focused session of studying. 

3. Studying in A Noisy Environment

While some people work better at busy places like cafes, some people and kids are unable to focus at such noisy places. These kids require a quiet and peaceful place to focus better.  If you find that your child jumps or shifts at the slightest foreign sound and is unable to tune it out then this is the reason you are finding your child is losing focus while studying.

How to Handle this situation?

Help your child pick a spot that is favorable to his need of studying in a quiet place like a library or a room in house that is away from lounge, main door, kitchen area – basically a place that is away from the sources of distracting sounds. 

4. Staying in Discomfort

If a child is studying in an uncomfortable position, it will not only affect his posture but also impacts his ability to focus negatively. Some poor choices of sitting for studies are bed and floor, both of which provide an unstable posture and keep you shifting position leading to unfocused mind. 

How to address this?

Help your child to pick a comfortable chair and a spot for unwavering concentration. A proper desk and chair are the best choice to snug away and focus on studies. Let your child not settle for an uncomfortable chair, couch or a bus for that matter. 

5. Poor Lighting

The study area must be properly lit. Studying in a dim light will affect you eyes and will also make you feel drowsy. Biological clock depends a lot on external lighting. So, if you study in poorly lit area your brain might signal you that it is bed time. A drowsy mind will not let you focus and concentrate on studies. 

Strategy to address this?

A very practical approach by parents can be to first put brighter bulbs in their kids’ studying area. Secondly make sure the child makes most of the studying time during daytime with lot of natural light coming in through open windows. These are very practical approaches to help your child enhance his focusing ability. 

6. Poor Sleeping Routine

A good sleep is essential for better focus and memory retention. Help your child to set a proper sleeping routine. Going to bed early and making sure the child gets required hours of sound sleep is important not only for better focus but also for overall development. 

Parents must ensure that the child has suitable sleeping conditions. Bed mattress and noise level in the room must be checked for being suitable and comfortable. 

7. Lack of Motivation

Sometimes the child lacks the proper motivation to keep him going and concentrating on his studies. Parents need to talk to child with both ways conversation and motivate him. Stress on his positive achievements and what he is capable of. Listen to the child to understand his mindset. 

Studying needs preparation and right factors promoting it. By figuring out the factors causing lack of focus in your child, you can make sure the learning is life long and better retained.