If your foster child has ADHD or just struggles with inattention as part of his personality, you want to do everything possible to help him focus so that he can complete tasks effectively. One thing you can do is get them moving before they sit down to complete an important yet boring task. Exercise is great for improving your child’s move, and this is especially true for those with sensory issues. It also helps to put a timer on and let your child know that they have a certain time to finish the task. Reward them with a treat if they complete it. Here are additional ways to help your child focus.
Break Down Large Tasks into Chunks
One thing you can do is break down your child’s tasks into smaller chunks if he struggles with getting started. If your child needs to clean his bathroom, then you can tell him to first get rid of his dirty clothes and put them in the hamper. The second step would be to have him scrub the tub, and then he would clean the sink. The final step would be to mop and sweep the bathroom floor. Make sure that you don’t overwhelm him with too many instructions at once.
Get Rid of the Distractions
Eliminate the distractions when helping your child focus. Place him in a quiet room where there is no TV or computer so that he can concentrate on his homework. You can put on soft music to quiet his mind while still providing some noise to keep him focused. Don’t allow him to have his phone in his pocket when he is doing chores or having meals with the family.
Play Games That Build Concentration Skills
Have fun with your foster child while teaching him to focus. You can do this by playing concentration-based games. These include:
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Word search puzzles
- UNO cards
- Scrabble
- Monopoly
- Scavenger hunts around the house
Maintain a Consistent Routine
All kids need structure, but this is especially true for kids who struggle with attention issues. Print out a visual schedule and then post it on your child’s bedroom door so that he’ll know what he needs to do each day. You can also include a reward chart where he gets a treat at the end of each week for following his schedule.
In conclusion, these tips will assist you in keeping your foster child on task every day.
If you need assistance with succeeding as a foster parent, contact us. We offer the guidance you need to create a loving environment for your foster child.