5 simple (but important) ways to help your child concentrate in school
Kids struggle to sit easy in a chair for five minutes never mind five hours, so it’s no surprise that their mind can start to wander a little in school.
It’s understandable, yes, but we don’t want our kiddos missing out on important information (or constantly getting in trouble) because they got distracted by a falling leaf outside the window… again.
And even though you can’t physically sit beside them in class (more’s the pity) there are a few simple – but important – things you can do to help them focus.
1. First things first… the importance of breakfast
It’s important your child starts the day on the right foot so make sure they have a good, healthy brekkie. Porridge, brown bread or even eggs, anything that will keep them full until small break. Just make sure their first meal is not full of sugar… otherwise, they’ll be crashing before they even get into school. And if you find you are constantly in a rush, a slice of wholemeal toast in the car is better than an empty tummy.
2. Keep ’em fit.. get moving before school
Walk, cycle or even run to school, because anything that gets them moving will help them concentrate better in class. A little exercise in the morning will prepare your child’s brain for the day ahead, and the run around will help alleviate any of that pent-up energy that tends to make your little one fidgety in the classroom. Don’t go over-board though – you don’t want them to be exhausted before they’ve even reached the school building!
3. Help them perform… make sure they are getting proper vitamins and minerals
It is important that your growing son or daughter is getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals. And while most of us mums are aware of the need for vitamin C, iron and zinc, did you know that vitamin B5 is important for normal mental performance? Pharmaton Kiddie health are packed with vitamins C, D, B2 and B5 and zinc – which help in the development of strong bones, normal vision and normal mental performance, as well as supporting the immune system.
4. Early to bed… are they getting enough sleep at night?
Your child is going to struggle to keep their eyes open – never mind stay focused on their teacher’s really long explanation of fractions – if they aren’t getting enough shut-eye. Just in the way hunger impacts on a kid’s ability to concentrate so too does a lack of sleep. Make sure they are getting a good night’s sleep, and keep phones and TVs out of their bedroom, otherwise they’ll be up until all hours watching nonsense.
5. Leave Ted at home… decrease distractions as much as you can
While you can’t really do anything about the distractions in the classroom itself, you can, for instance, prevent your little one bringing toys into school or having a load of keyrings hanging from their bag. Things like bears, cars and furry rings, are just asking to be played with – and you know they’ll end up messing around with it when they should be doing their spellings.
