6 habits that increase focus and discipline in children

Does your child lack the discipline and ability to complete a task effectively? This could be due to a low concentration span and an inability to focus on the task at hand. However, some techniques aim to assist children in managing distractions and enhancing their ability to stay focused during learning and daily activities. Parents struggling with children who have difficulty focusing can now inculcate these 6 habits to help improve focus and discipline in children:

Setting a timer has emerged as an effective method to help children maintain focus. Parents can start with 10-minute intervals and gradually increase the duration as their child's concentration improves. Free timer apps following the Pomodoro Technique or fun-shaped kitchen timers can make this strategy more engaging.


Getting started on tasks often poses a significant challenge for children with executive function issues. Children may either forget about tasks or delay them due to stress. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make the initiation process less overwhelming.


Providing directions one or two at a time helps prevent cognitive overload. Instead of giving multiple instructions simultaneously, parents should break down complex tasks into single steps. Using checklists can further assist children in following directions effectively.

Redirecting attention when children become distracted requires specific strategies. Parents can establish signals, such as a shoulder tap or a designated word, to help their child refocus. Sharing these strategies with teachers ensures consistency across different environments.


Fidgets serve as valuable sensory tools for maintaining focus. Items like rubber bands and squeeze balls allow children to move and receive sensory input while working. Different types of fidgets can either help children calm down or stay alert, depending on individual needs.

Mindfulness techniques have shown positive results in improving children's behavior and focus during lessons and schoolwork. Simple exercises like quiet breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 mindfulness technique can be particularly effective before classes or tests.

Fidget toys serve as valuable sensory tools for maintaining focus. Items like rubber bands, squeeze balls, or textured objects allow children to move and receive sensory input while working. Different types of fidgets can either help children calm down or stay alert, depending on their individual needs.
Stress balls and kneadable erasers help reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Chair bands (elastic bands wrapped around the bottom of chairs) allow children to move their feet without leaving their seats.
Tactile fidgets like spinners, beads, or textured stickers can provide sensory stimulation while keeping the hands occupied.
The strategies can be applied to both short-term and long-term focus challenges. While external circumstances affecting focus may not always be changeable, these techniques provide practical solutions for children to manage distractions effectively. Parents should acknowledge their children's efforts to improve concentration, even for small achievements.
Understanding ADHD symptoms and how attention works can provide additional context for parents working to improve their child's focus. Resources are available for parents to learn more about attention-related challenges and appropriate interventions.