The beginning of the school year brings its share of changes and challenges. To overcome the lack of concentration linked to this period, family strategies exist. Here are 5 practical tips that help improve paying attention.
1. Understand the Reasons Behind Drops in Concentration
Before looking for solutions, it’s important to identify the factors that can explain children’s difficulty concentrating when they return from school. For example, fatigue and stress related to a new school routine or the amount of information to be absorbed can quickly exhaust attention.
Not to mention that the little attention that does remain is often taken up by digital distractions like the phone, tablet or television. Also, the noise level, the lack of parameters and disorganization are factors that affect concentration.
2. Establish a Structured Routine for Everyone
Establishing a routine is essential. Fixed times for homework, meals, free time and bedtime are anchors that help structure the days and clarify expectations. A framework like this—defined as a family—is reassuring for everyone. And by displaying the timetable so that it is clearly visible, everyone can anticipate their day and better organize themselves.
3. Create a Supportive Work Environment
A dedicated homework space plays a key role in the ability to focus. Set it up in a quiet and well-lit area of the house, equipped with the necessary materials for studying.
But for these learning moments to be really effective, you also need to limit distractions:
turn off or move away screens;
reduce ambient noise;
avoid cluttering up the work desk.
4. Plan Breaks and Physical Activity
Staying focused continuously for a long time has its limits. To avoid mental fatigue, it is recommended to integrate regular breaks every 25-30 minutes, as suggested by the Pomodoro method. This time management technique, which consists of alternating work sessions (25 minutes) and breaks (5 minutes) in 4 cycles (every 2 hours), helps to keep focus.
A “rested” brain absorbs information better and the same goes for a well-oxygenated brain. In order to stimulate blood circulation, it is beneficial to move, to go out for some fresh air and to do some light exercises during breaks, no matter how short they may be. By being active, you feel more energized and alert, and you are better disposed to learn new things.
5. Maintain the Balance Between Good Sleep and Healthy Eating
Quality sleep at night helps maintain a good level of concentration during the day. To sleep better, favour a routine of sleeping away from screens, with regular hours adapted according to age.
A balanced diet, rich in lean proteins and essential nutrients and low in refined sugars, is also required. Healthy eating habits support not only energy, but also memory and therefore concentration. To optimize this, it’s recommended to:
favour complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, legumes, etc.) and spread their intake throughout the day;
include omega-3 sources (fatty fish, nuts, chia seeds);
vary the colours on the plate to ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals;
hydrate well.
