Help for Child Who Can't Stay Focused

Ever since she started school, my daughter's teachers have complained that she simply can't stay focused. She is currently in first grade. Could she have attention-deficit disorder? What can I do at home to help increase her attention span? -- Unfocused
Answer: You can explore the idea of whether your child has an attention disorder by first getting the opinion of your child's teacher. Then go online to the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website at www.chadd.org and search for symptoms. Do remember that all young children will show some of these symptoms from time to time. It is the severity of the symptoms that determines whether a child has an attention-deficit disorder. Only a doctor can make this diagnosis.
A young child like your daughter should be able to stay focused on a task for at least five minutes without supervision. If she has difficulty staying focused this long, there are things that can be done in the classroom and at home to increase her attention span.
Breaking tasks into smaller segments is one thing that should be done at both school and at home, as it is very helpful to children with a limited ability to stay focused. Also, when your child is doing schoolwork or some other task at home, try to stay close by, as it helps children focus longer. For example, all the kids in a family could do homework at the same time in the same place.
When your child is involved in a lengthy task (completing a puzzle, building a LEGO design), have her take movement breaks. Getting up and moving around occasionally will help her get the task done faster. You also can cut worksheet pages in half so an assignment seems less formidable. They can be taped back together to hand in. Finally, rewards can be given for completing a task, such as setting the table or putting dishes in the dishwasher.