How to Help My Child Focus at School

Parenting
March 26, 2025

School can be a tough place to maintain the focus of your child.

There are many distractions and it can be hard to stay on task.

There can also be things outside of one's control that can interfere with focus, like a noisy classroom or a bully.

There are a few things that parents can do to help their children focus at school.

Get Your Child a Good Night's Sleep 

Most people know that getting a good night's sleep is important for overall health, but few realize that it is also essential for cognitive functioning.

A growing body of research has shown that sleep plays a vital role in memory and learning. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories and processes new information.

For students, this means that a good night's sleep is essential for academic success. Unfortunately, many children do not get enough shut-eye.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a significant percentage of elementary school students do not get the recommended 10 hours of sleep per night. This can have serious consequences on their academic performance.

Researchers have found that sleep deprivation leads to poorer grades, increased absenteeism, and lower test scores.

Fortunately, there are some simple steps parents can take to help their children get the sleep they need.

Creating a bedtime routine and limiting screen time before bed can go a long way towards ensuring a good night's rest.

By taking these steps, you can help your child focus at school and set them up for success in the classroom.

a child holding paper in class

Set a Regular Homework Routine and Enforce It 

Parents play an important role in helping their children succeed in school.

One of the best ways to help your child focus at school is to set a regular homework routine and enforce it.

Having a set time each day for homework gives children a sense of structure and helps them to stay on track.

It also allows you to monitor their progress and offer assistance when needed. Enforcing the homework routine is just as important as setting it.

If you allow your child to regularly put off their homework or take excessive breaks, they will quickly develop bad habits that will be difficult to break.

However, if you are consistent in holding them accountable, they will learn to focus and stay on task.

Helping your child develop good study habits is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their success in school.

Provide Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement 

It can be difficult for children to maintain focus if they feel that they are constantly being berated or criticized.

If your child is struggling to focus, it is important to provide encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Let them know that you believe in their ability to succeed and offer praise when they make progress.

Avoid making negative comments or comparing them to other children.

Instead, focus on their individual strengths and help them to build on those.

By providing support and encouragement, you can help your child develop the confidence they need to stay focused in school.

Help Your Child Stay Organized 

When it comes to helping your child focus at school, organization is key.

A well-organized child is more likely to be able to focus on their work and be successful in the classroom. Here are a few ways you can help your child stay organized:

  1. One way to help your child stay organized is to create a daily routine. This will help them know what they need to do and when they need to do it. Having a set routine will also help your child feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed.
  2. Another way to help your child stay organized is by teaching them how to create a daily schedule. This schedule should include everything from class times and homework assignments to extracurricular activities and free time. Helping your child map out their day will give them a better sense of how they should use their time, and it will also allow you to see if there are any areas where they may need extra assistance.
  3. Encourage your child to be tidy and neat. A messy desk or bedroom can make it difficult for a child to focus on their work. Teaching them how to keep their space clean and orderly will help them feel calmer and focused when they are trying to complete their tasks.

These are all important things to consider when learning how to help your child stay focused at school. 

children working together in class

Reward Good Grades with Privileges or Treats

An enriching learning environment is essential for success in school, and helping your child to focus on their studies can make a big difference.

One way to do this is to reward good grades with privileges or treats. For example, you could allow them to choose a fun activity to do on the weekend, or give them a special treat.

This will help to motivate them to focus on their studies and do their best. However, it is important to avoid using rewards that are too high-value, as this could lead to your child becoming dependent on rewards in order to do well.

Instead, focus on small rewards that will serve as an incentive for continued good performance. With effort, you can help your child develop the focus they need to succeed in school.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried all of the above tips and your child is still struggling to focus in school, it may be time to seek professional help.

There are a number of different types of disorders that can cause difficulties with focus, and a professional will be able to assess your child and provide the appropriate treatment.

Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you are concerned about your child's ability to focus. With the right support, your child can overcome any challenges they may be facing. 

Conclusion

It can be difficult for children to maintain focus, but there are things parents can do to help. The above can help you learn how to help your child stay focused at school.

By providing encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping your child stay organized, and rewarding good grades with privileges or treats, you can make a big difference in your child's ability to focus at school.

With your support, your child can develop the focus they need to succeed.

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

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