When we were kids, the biggest detractors from productivity were sunny days and the distant hint of an ice cream truck circling the neighborhood. Our parents didn’t have to wrestle with the myriad distractions available to kids now. Cell phones, video games, the Internet, blinking lights on talking toys and countless other distracting elements; how do you keep your children focused in 2015? Here are a few helpful tips to nurture a productive, focused child in the age of distraction.
1. Expect What You Project
Set an example for your children by being productive and responsible in your own life. The old saying ‘Do as I say, not as I do’ may be an easy out in some situations, but children, especially young children, will often imitate more consistently than they will listen.
You should also communicate to your children that you have many responsibilities in your life: your work, your bills, Etc. Point out that right now, your children’s most important responsibility is to learn.
2. Homework Rules and Times
Setting rules and times for completing homework is extremely important for nurturing a child’s work ethic. Set a designated homework time that will get your children into a routine. Tell them that once their homework is completed fully and correctly they can go outside or spend an hour watching TV. By doing this, you are teaching your children to reward themselves for being productive.
3. Keep Distractions to a Minimum
Setting a designated, quiet, fairly isolated spot for homework is usually a best practice for minimizing distractions. Try to set this spot in a room without TV, phone or computer (unless the homework specifically calls for computer access). Communicating clear homework times with your children’s friends and their parents can also help keep distractions from emerging unexpectedly.
4. Positive Reinforcement
With subtle praise and positive reinforcement, you can help nurture productive, focused routines in your children. Remember to praise the progress your children make and not just the finished product. By doing this, you will promote pride in the process, not just a rush to the finish line.
5. Communicate With Teachers, Care Givers and Instructors
Communicating with teachers, caregivers and other educational figures in your children’s lives is crucial to establishing productive habits. Make sure instructors and care-givers are aware of the rules and habits that you’ve already established with your children. By doing so, there will be considerably less risk of a teacher contradicting what you are promoting in the home.
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