How to support your child’s focus and concentration at school
- Ashleigh Rielly
- Mar 11
- 4 min read
Many parents notice that their child sometimes struggles to stay focused during homework, lessons, or study time. Difficulty maintaining attention is a common concern in childhood and can affect a learner’s ability to complete tasks, follow instructions, and engage with academic work.
It is important to remember that attention and concentration skills develop gradually throughout childhood and adolescence. Variations in focus are normal, particularly when children are tired, distracted, or adjusting to new academic demands (Woolfolk, 2020).
This article provides general information and practical strategies that may support concentration. However, if concerns about a child’s attention persist or significantly affect learning, consulting a qualified professional may be beneficial.
Important Professional Note
The information provided here is intended for general educational purposes only. Difficulties with concentration can arise for many reasons and do not necessarily indicate a psychological or developmental condition.
According to the ethical and professional guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa, conclusions about learning or attention difficulties should only be made following a comprehensive assessment conducted by a registered professional.
Why children sometimes struggle to concentrate
Several factors may influence a child’s ability to maintain attention. Concentration involves multiple cognitive processes, including working memory, self-regulation, and executive functioning (Diamond, 2013).
Some common factors that may affect focus include:
Developmental Stage
Younger children naturally have shorter attention spans than older learners. Research suggests that attention capacity improves as the brain’s executive functioning systems mature during childhood and adolescence (Diamond, 2013).
Fatigue and Sleep
Sleep plays a critical role in attention, memory, and learning. Insufficient or irregular sleep can significantly affect a child’s ability to concentrate during the school day (Owens, 2014).
Emotional Wellbeing
Stress, anxiety, or social challenges at school may also influence a child’s ability to focus on academic tasks (Santrock, 2021).
Environmental Distractions
Busy or noisy environments, digital devices, and competing stimuli can make it difficult for children to sustain attention during homework or study time.
Because attention is influenced by many factors, it is important to view concentration challenges within the broader context of the child’s development and environment.
Practical Ways to Support Concentration
Parents can often support their child’s focus by introducing simple routines and study strategies. These approaches aim to create conditions that make sustained attention easier.
Create a Structured Study Routine
Consistent routines help children understand when it is time to focus on schoolwork. Establishing a regular homework time each day can support concentration and task completion.
Short, structured study periods are often more effective than long sessions, particularly for younger learners (Woolfolk, 2020).
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Dividing work into smaller, manageable tasks can help learners maintain motivation and attention.
For example:
Complete one section of homework at a time
Take short breaks between tasks
Use checklists to track progress
This approach supports executive functioning and task management (Diamond, 2013).
Encourage Active Learning Strategies
Active learning strategies can improve engagement and concentration. These may include:
Writing summaries of what has been learned
Explaining concepts aloud
Creating visual diagrams or mind maps
Practising retrieval of information from memory
Research shows that active engagement with learning material supports both attention and long-term memory (Dunlosky et al., 2013).
Managing distractions during homework or study time
A well-organised learning environment can support sustained attention.
Parents may consider:
Creating a quiet, dedicated study space
Limiting background noise where possible
Reducing access to digital distractions during study time
Encouraging regular short breaks
Research suggests that minimising environmental distractions can improve concentration and task performance (Rosen, Lim, Carrier, & Cheever, 2011).
However, it is also helpful to remember that some children work well with mild background noise, and individual preferences may vary.
Understanding attention differences in children
Children’s ability to focus varies widely. Occasional distraction, forgetfulness, or restlessness is common during childhood.
In some cases, persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity across multiple settings may be associated with conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterised by difficulties with attention regulation and self-control that interfere with daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2022).
However, it is important to emphasise that similar behaviours may also occur in children who are tired, stressed, adjusting to new environments, or still developing attention skills.
For this reason, behaviours alone cannot confirm the presence of ADHD or any other condition. A comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified professional is required to understand the underlying factors affecting a child’s attention.
When parents may consider professional guidance
Parents may wish to seek professional advice if:
Attention difficulties persist over time
A child consistently struggles to complete school tasks
Teachers express ongoing concerns about focus in the classroom
Difficulties significantly affect academic progress or emotional wellbeing
Educational psychologists can conduct psychoeducational assessments to explore cognitive functioning, attention processes, learning skills, and emotional factors that may influence academic performance.
In South Africa, such assessments must be conducted by professionals registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Supporting your child’s learning and attention
Developing strong concentration skills takes time. Many children benefit from structured routines, supportive learning environments, and strategies that help them manage distractions.
When parents, teachers, and professionals work together, children are better able to develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in school.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Diamond, A. (2013). Executive functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64, 135–168.
Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K., Marsh, E., Nathan, M., & Willingham, D. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58.
Owens, J. (2014). Insufficient sleep in adolescents: Causes and consequences. Minerva Pediatrica, 66(1), 63–71.
Rosen, L., Lim, A., Carrier, L., & Cheever, N. (2011). An empirical examination of the educational impact of text message-induced task switching in the classroom. Educational Psychology, 31(6), 793–812.
Santrock, J. W. (2021). Educational psychology (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Woolfolk, A. (2020). Educational psychology (14th ed.). Pearson.
Health Professions Council of South Africa. (2019). General ethical guidelines for health care professionals. Pretoria: HPCSA.
