1. Keep a routine. Contrary to common believe, children love having a routine and schedule. A regular schedule give them sense of security because they know what to expected and, thus, know how to behave.

When they have to do the same thing over and over every day, it’ll become a habit or part of them, and they’ll start doing it without you asking.

The first few days of implementing a schedule may be difficult, because you’re changing their routine. Be persistent with the change, and the result will amaze you.

Once your child gets used to the new routine, transition from school to homework will be smooth.

It’s always good idea to allow your child some “chill time” after school. Have a snack together, or let them play outside for a little while. That way they’ll be ready to settle down and do homework.

This is just an example. Come up with your own routine that works for you and your child.

2. Prepare a distraction-free study space. Clear the workspace of clutter as visual clutter can obstruct focus just as much. Organize your child’s desk and get everything he or she needs for their homework or project handy.

Put away all electronic gadgets in a different home or turn them off so your child won’t get distract by the notifications.

Keep everything that is required at hand so that your child does not need to get up to get anything.

If they need to use a computer to study, make sure that it is used only for studying and nothing else. All homework books, crayons, textbooks, pencils and even water can be kept on the table or nearby.

3. Create a calm and soothing study environment with background sounds and soft lighting. Having background sounds helps block out distractions. Play soft instrumental music in the background while studying or doing homework. Or water sound from water fountain or fish tank

Most children respond well in an environment that is soothing and calming but other children may thrive in an environment that has a lot of hustle and bustle.

4. Break up big projects into smaller tasks. Homework and projects can be overwhelming for the little soul. So breaking up big projects into smaller more manageable bites will make task less intimidating.

• Write a paper on “___”
  • Outline 3 main points
  • Write introduction
  • Explain each main points and give examples.
  • Review and polish for final draft

This works for chores as well

• Clean your room
  • Pick up dirty clothes from floor and put them in laundry
  • Change sheets
  • Put books back on shelves
  • Organize desk

I love making to-do-list because it gives a visual of what needs to be done, and a sense of accomplishment when you check off items from the list.

I used to just verbally tell my daughter the chores she needs to do, and as usual, nothing gets done. Then, I started making a list of chores for my daughter to do around the house when I’m at work. By the time I got home, she would finish most tasks on the list, and most things are check off.

Do the same for homework and project for the evening. Make a list of homework and projects that need to be completed. That way your child have something to look at and he or she can cross it off the list as each task is completed.

It gives them a sense of satisfaction when crossing off items of the list.

5. Take breaks and naps. Don’t be intimidated by idea of letting your child take a nap. Ask yourself, “how well can you focus when you’re tired?”

If your child is having hard time focusing while doing homework or keep dosing off, maybe all he or she needs is a nap to rejuvenate his or her brain.

My daughter would take a nap after dinner, then wake up later to finish studying or homework. You just can’t force the exhausted brain to work any better.

Have your child use the restroom before settling down to study as children have the tendency to want to get up.

Allow your child mini breaks every 30-40 minutes to stretch and take sips of water. The brain, even though is 60% fat, functions like muscle. If you take breaks during your workout or sports practice, your brain would appreciate the same.

6. Use games & exercises to build attention. Children learn about their environment through play. Give them thinking toys that help to improve focus and memory.

Studies have shown that electronics may reduce attention span and memory in children. Therefore, limit electronic use as much as possible.

Puzzles and card games help with focus, memory and problem solving skills. Crossword puzzle also helps with verbal skills.

My daughter loves puzzles, sudoku number puzzle, Japanese Hanayama puzzles, 3D puzzle cubes, 3d puzzle globes, Legos, etc.

All these puzzle games help with focus, memory and problem solving skills.

“Where’s Waldo?” is a great picture book for young children because they have to focus very hard to find Waldo among all the business of the book.

7. Have a reward system and praise. Kids love rewards. The reward does not have to be anything expensive, but it has to be something your child desires, such as playing 10 minutes on a video game, playing outside with his friends, or playing a game of UNO with parents, etc.

Be creative and find a reward that would motivate your child to work hard for.

8. Practice healthy habits. Good studying habits do not stop at studying time. It includes general practice of overall healthy habits to include at least 8 hours of good night sleep, plenty of physical activities and eating a whole food plant-based diet that nourish the brain.

Everyone knows your brain functions so much better after a good nights’ rest. And eating healthy foods that feeds not just the body, but the brain too.

Kids are naturally full of energy, so allow them time to burn off some energy and stress from school. Physical activities is good for the body and good for the soul too.

Recent studies have shown that kids who participate in daily physical activities, especially before mental tasks, do better than peers who are sedentary.

Related article: Why You Need to Sleep 8 Hours? And ADHD Diet for Kids that Works

Do you need more reasons?

If you want to learn more natural strategies to improve focus and memory, download this free “ADHD Strategies Quick Start Guide”. It’s our gift to you for being a great parent.

This quick start guide is filled with quick tips that you can implement right away to help your child to improve focus and memory retention.