--- title: 6 ways to help your child focus description: Explore strategies to help kids focus, from setting timers and taking frequent breaks to changing the way you give directions. slug: how-to-improve-focus-in-kids author: Gail Belsky reviewer: Bob Cunningham, EdM published: '2019-08-05T15:12:21.108Z' date_modified: '2026-08-03T00:00:00.000Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/eQPMqzrCPbyUlHrIDfEqS/61de1e7813f65993f7771cdfd5ba35b3/G1294571941.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids lang: en --- # 6 ways to help your child focus ## Quick take - Focusing means directing attention to a task. - Some kids struggle with focus, an executive function skill. - There are simple strategies to help your child tune out distractions and stay focused. Trouble focusing can be a long-term or short-term challenge. Either way, it makes learning hard. It also impacts everyday life. Focusing means directing attention to a task. The ability to focus is part of a group of skills known as executive function. Some kids really struggle with these skills and are easily distracted — especially kids with ADHD. But whether [focus problems](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/trouble-with-focus-conversation-starters-to-use-with-your-childs-teacher) are ongoing or temporary, there are ways to help your child cut through distractions and get things done. Here are six simple strategies to try. ## 1. Set a timer. Knowing there’s a limit to how long they have to stay focused can make it easier for kids to hang in there. Set a timer for how long your child needs to work before having a quick snack or taking a break. Consider setting a 10-minute timer. Increase the amount of time little by little as your child gets better at focusing. You can [download free timer apps](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/apps-to-help-tweens-teens-with-self-control) that help kids follow the “Pomodoro Technique.” This is a time-management method that gets its name from the Italian word for tomato. Or you can get a kitchen timer shaped like a tomato or in another fun shape. ## 2. Help your child get started. There are many reasons why kids with executive function challenges have trouble starting tasks. Sometimes kids forget they need to do a task. And sometimes they put off the task because it’s stressing them out. The longer kids put off starting a task, the harder it can be to focus on it. That goes for projects for school and around the house. To make it easier to get started, try [breaking tasks into smaller steps](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-simple-steps-for-breaking-down-assignments). ## 3. Limit directions to one or two at a time. Try not to overload your child with too many directions at once. Let’s say it’s time for homework. You might tell your child to check the assignment book, get out the right materials, and start working. But that may be too many steps for your child to remember. Give instructions one at a time. Or try using checklists that break a task down into single steps to [help your child follow directions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-your-child-follow-directions). ## 4. Help your child refocus on the task. Kids who get distracted need strategies to get back on task once they’ve drifted. This is called redirecting their attention. Come up with a signal for when your child’s mind starts to wander. It might be putting a hand on your child’s shoulder or saying a specific word. Tell your child’s teacher which strategies you’re trying at home. ## 5. Try different kinds of fidgets. Fidgets are sensory tools that can help some kids focus better. Items like rubber bands and squeeze balls can help kids move around and get sensory input while they do schoolwork or other tasks. Some fidgets can help kids calm down and get ready to focus on a task. Other fidgets can help kids stay alert and tuned in to the task. Try [different types of fidgets](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/fidgets-for-kids-with-adhd) to see which ones work best for your child. ## 6. Use mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness exercises are all about paying attention and focusing. Studies have shown that mindfulness can help kids improve their behavior and their ability to focus on lessons and on schoolwork. One way to practice is to sit quietly and focus on breathing in and out. Taking even a few deep breaths before class or a test could make a difference. Try the [5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness technique](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-4-3-2-1-mindfulness-technique). --- ## Frequently asked questions ### What is executive function? Executive function (EF) is a group of mental skills that let us plan, organize, and get things done. The [three main executive skills](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills) are working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. But EF also includes attention and focus, plus other abilities. ### What are the signs of ADHD in kids? The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Not every child with ADHD has all three. But ADHD is essentially a problem with executive function. So the signs you see, even in young kids, have to do with those key mental skills. [Common signs of ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-of-adhd-at-different-ages) include trouble with attention, focus, memory, and emotional regulation. Kids may have difficulty sitting still, controlling their impulses, starting and finishing tasks, following directions, and waiting their turn. They may interrupt other people and have trouble with social skills. Risky behavior is also common. ### How is ADHD diagnosed? The only way to know for sure if your child has ADHD is through an evaluation by a professional. That person might be a psychiatrist, psychologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, pediatrician, or nurse practitioner. Schools do full evaluations that can identify problems with [executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/podcasts/undefined/undefined). But they don’t diagnose ADHD. There’s no one test for ADHD. The [evaluation process](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-how-is-adhd-diagnosed) includes interviews, checklists, and questionnaires and takes a few hours. The professional will also ask about your child’s health history. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [5 common distractions for kids who struggle with focus](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/5-common-distractions-for-kids-with-focus-issues) - [What to say to your child about trouble with focus](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-being-distracted-and-unfocused) - [Self-care for kids: 6 ways to self-regulate](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/self-care-for-kids-6-ways-to-self-regulate) - From mindfulness methods to creative play, these strategies can help kids better manage stress, anxiety, and ADHD on their own. --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids","description":"Explore strategies to help kids focus, from setting timers and taking frequent breaks to changing the way you give directions."},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids","name":"6 ways to help your child focus"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2019-08-05T15:12:21.108Z","dateModified":"2026-08-03T00:00:00.000Z","description":"Concentration and focus can be trouble spots for lots of kids, including those with ADHD. 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