Easily distracted/lack of concentration/boredom in otherwise intelligent 7-year-old female
I have a very intelligent 7-year-old girl. However, there seems to be a lack of concentration in class and in completing homework assignments. She is distracted very easily. All evidence shows she has grasped the lessons, but just does not complete the written part in class; and homework assignments are a chore - frustration for us and her. For example, she can verbally spell all words but she practically fails written spelling tests because she just did't write all of the words, and not because she can't spell/write. She seems to have a "laissez-faire" attitude about school work. Note: this similar attitude is seen in other areas of tasks requests/attempts at home.
I'm looking for help/techniques that will increase concentration, staying on task, and eliminating or ignoring distractions. (She already sits in the front row of her class, by choice. Her first year of school was similar, even though she is in a different school).
Personality wise, she likes accomplishments, and she likes attention/praise. Her conversation and reasoning are excellent. Her English, word usage and speech has been advanced since she began to speak. We make every attemp to give her honest praise as often as possible. She has one 4-year-old sister who also exhibits intelligence.
There are about 25 children in her class. My thoughts are she needs to be in a smaller group, but this particular school (academy) cannot accommodate smaller class sizes at this grade level. Having to repeat a grade would be a travesty for this little intelligent one. (We are currently spending as much as we can afford for their education). Help!
Comments for
Easily distracted/lack of concentration/boredom in otherwise intelligent 7-year-old female
9 Year daughter not getting any better by: Anonymous
My 9 year old daughter is not getting any better she is easily distracted and plaing things in her mouth. I had placed a comment a few days ago needing help on this because she was failing. Now I have recieved the phone call that her teacher can not give her any more chances and her being distracted is not helping her at all. Although they (and us) think she is extremely smart she is not focusing. Because of this they will need to start writing her up. I am really at a loss I want to help her and don't know how. I will be taking her to the peditrician on Monday to see if there are any solutions. We have tried everything we have researched and read on this topic but we are not having success. PLEASE if there is any help or advise we are desperatly seeking it.
Feb 23, 2010
me tooo!! by: Anonymous
every comment i have read is to do with kids at school who are aged 6 to 9 roughly my daughter is 2 and a half and im having these problems already shes constantly naughty and defiant she cant sit stil to watch tv a film or even have a story read to her and its wearing me out constantly telling her of for being naughty we don't feed her junk and she hardly has juice so i wouldnt say its her diet she just wants me to constantly play with her. im also pregnant with my 2nd baby and i know when its born she will use me feeding the baby as an excuse to do naughty things im dreading that part and dont really know what to do???any ideas im at the end of my teather with her
Feb 23, 2010
Thank God am not alone by: MADEIRA
My 7 year old son just like most of yours is exetremely intelligent. He has correct answers for every question read out to him. He hates writing and Reading questions for himself. This has seen him suffer academically. All his teachers say how very intelligent he really is, how ever this does not show in his report card at the end of the term. I need help for him. Any ideas???
Feb 20, 2010
9 YR Old daughter and same problems by: Anonymous
I am having the same problems with my 9 year old daughter she is easliy distracted in class and at home she can not follow direction. She can take hours doing homework and can not get along with her sibilings and even has a hard time making friends. We have taken her to get evaluated for ADHD and doctors said this is not her problem but could not help me with any solutions. Her teacher does not know what to do any more because she can not place the whole focus on her with all the other students around. I need HELP and soon she will fail 4th grade and know that will not be easy for her either.
I am desperate for answers and solutions!
Feb 11, 2010
7 year old girl- same issues. by: Anonymous
These comments sound exactly like my 7 year old daughter. Easily distractable, especially at school. Doesn't complete her work, so it comes home to get done. Goes to the bathroom and could fiddle around in there for one hour if it was her choice. Very messy with her belongings. But if you give her praise or a treat for completing a project it is done in a flash, otherwise you have to light a torch under her to get her moving. I haven't heard what this could be though. I am having a psych-ed test done for her teachers at school. She is as sweet as pie and has the best temperment.
Jan 15, 2010
problem with my 9 years old son! by: irene
i have the same problem with my 9 years old son. im so disappointed when im receiving comments letter from his teacher.he is studying in a public school and i cant afford to send him to a private school.i need help i dont know what to do anymore.
Dec 08, 2009
My advice by: Anonymous
Turn off the TV, computer, video games during the week. (Even the adults in the house). Limit them on weekends to only an hour or two. It will work wonders. I promise.
Dec 08, 2009
My Son by: Sharon C
I have just read this page, and I'M NOT ALONE. I have the same problems with my son - he can't concentrate, can't sit still, etc etc. The school have not been helpful, just wondering if I should look into new school. Just don't know what to do for the best. I just want my little boy to be happy, but he's not. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. xx
Dec 03, 2009
easily distracted by: rodriguez
to the parents of easily distracted/lack of concentration; everything you said is exactly how I would describe my 11 year old son. He is in 5th grade but has a 7th grade reading level. He has an extensive vocabulary. He sometimes has trouble making friends. I suspect because he feels a bit more advanced than the others in his class. He gets along better with older people. If you get an idea or answer please share.
Nov 24, 2009
Help (angelbabygus2002@aol.com) by: Anonymous
I was informed this year by my 7yr old daughters teacher the she feel she is not where she should be academically. The teacher said she is easily distracted and was failing spelling tests. I worked with her after she mentioned it and she has got nothing less than a 90 in spelling and excels in math.I dont see what this teacher is saying. This is the first year she is focusing on money and time and she is catching on but slowly. Is there something I can do to help her focus better.
Nov 19, 2009
Possible ADD?? by: Anonymous
My 6 year old daughter is constantly having defiant behavior at school. Academically, she is at the top of her class. She can read chapter books and can even do a little multiplication. She is not your textbook ADD child. She is not hyper, although she is impulsive. She is social and understands right from wrong. She is very easy to anger and has frequent outbursts at school. She is always exhausted in the afternoon, and that is when the problems usually occur. Last year, she had several transitions(switching schools)so we wanted to give her a chance to adapt. Here we are again..new year with the same issues. I don't know if I have a stubborn and strong-willed child or is this ADD? Also, I should mention that she has intense focus. The reason the social woker suggested ADD was because she can't pull her focus. Does anyone have a child like mine because, so far, I have not found her traits in any textbook. Appreciate any help.
Nov 17, 2009
7 year old focusing problem by: Diane
Our 7 year old son has the similar problems. He is very active, can't sit and do homework on his own. He can not concentrate at school. Last year he had an emotional break down refused to go school, very very upset. This year he is doing better emotionally. But because he is not successful due to his lack of focusing, he started to lose his confidence. Since last year hhe is having eye-q (fish oil -omega3) but we don't see any improvement. 3 weeks ago we started to give him BrightSparks there is no change yet. Next week we are going to visit a psychiatrist. He might give him medication..
Nov 10, 2009
Please help me by: Mom
My 7year old boy is just the same. He is too playful in class, doesn't finish his classwork, when its time for homework i have to assist him all the time. It will be like it is the first time he saw those lessons. He will go the bedroom to get something, but bring something different. I have to repeat myself when i send him to fetch something. He doesn't know how to pass a message. I really don't know what to do.
Nov 05, 2009
distracted 6 year old by: Anonymous
My son is easily distracted and has good and bad days. We have him in Occupational Therapy because he has a hard time with pencil strength and sometimes his balance (though, some we feel is done for attention). I'm at a loss. Sometimes he is on his A game, other times, the teacher is constantly talking to him. I am going to request a blood test for Iron or any other deficiancy. I also stopped the flax seed but that did seem to have a positive result. I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one, the teacher made me feel like she only seen this type of behavior once before and the child was neglected, which she did state she knows is not the case.
Oct 30, 2009
ditto by: Anonymous
Our six year old son has many of the issues that are described in he intial article. We are baffled, as are his teachers. He is a bright, charming social boy who will spend an hour or so doing lego or drawing. Put him infront of the blackboard and he blanks out. Ask him to get dressed and his mind gets erased. He is very easilt distracted from mundane chores, but will be engaged in things he finds interesting. We are going to see our family doctor to discuss a plan for getting our son on track. Grade one is to early to lose the battle.
Oct 26, 2009
Lack of concentration in 7 year old by: Sunita
My y7 year old son is having the same problem, just as described by all. He hates spelling, makes up his own spelling and does not like writing. Loves maths and makes beautiful pictorial representations with captions in capital letters. He does not make much eye contact with the teachers but seems to have understood everything. He seems lost in his world and I have to scream to bring him back to earth. Because of his his class work is incomplete. Though he has a lot of ideas, he is very timid and shy and hesitates to speak out his mind.
Are there any articles on the web or any parenting tips to help me out on this?
Sep 28, 2009
Same Here! by: Anonymous
Sorry, no advice from me, I am searching for the same answer! My 7 year old is a very intelligent and thoughtful little girl, but is highly oversensitive and lacks much social awareness. She was 4 1/2 weeks prem and I wonder if this has anything to do with it. Her teacher has within the last hour informed me that she has had to have words with her re: lack of concentration and that she has had to finish school work off in playtimes. I knew something was upsetting her, but she wouldn't tell me about it. She is now getting enough sleep, but had been sleepwalking too!
I have in the past month started her on vitamins, but not omega 3. Do you have any advice or exercises to increase levels of concentration and self-esteem? Have started her in a cheerleading/dance group, but she is so worried and got very upset in school today about going, do I make her go and ride the storm, or do I let her off with it?
We praise her emmensely and use rewards when she has done well, which she tends to shrug off, but when she is told off, she dwells on it for ages.
Please HELP!
Aug 27, 2009
easily distracted kid by: Anonymous
read up on omega 3 for children - this helps concentration. please don't resort to chemicals until you have tried this. it helped my son to concentrate better in school.
Aug 17, 2009
add me to that list! by: Anonymous
My 5yr old son is the same way!! He was always ahead of his age with leaning and skills...way beyond, but since I got pregnant and had my second son..he has declined in his attention and ability to focus. I ALWAYS give him his time and he knows he is very special to me. We have a great relationship, but he just lacks confidence now and focus. He starts kindergarten in 2 weeks and im terrified that he will fall behind or be picked on for not being like the other kids. :( He is very sweet and well mannered, but timid and self conscious. How can I help him be more alert and outgoing? It's like he lives in a fog or in his own world half the time.
Aug 13, 2009
Mine too by: Anonymous
Though mine just turned 6 a few days ago, he has similar problem. His teacher has to make him do his work at her table most times. Otherwise, he won't finish his work.(he's the same way with his food)..He can't pay attention in class cos he seems to be off somewhere in his mind but the times he does pay attention, he's observed to be quite quick. He sees it as hard work to think and just tells you he doesn't know it when he's asked a question but when you insist and keep pressing, he comes up with the right answers. He's very good at maths and can read but find it hard work to cram spellings. This often reduces his marks in written tests as he tends to spell most words wrong. I really would love to read from anyone out there with solution on how to help my kid. Thanks Cynthia
Jul 16, 2009
lack of concenration /easily distracted by: omnia
hi,
i guess this is the same for my son,and i cannot find a solution. Help me please as i feel like losing my son.
Jun 25, 2009
i have some tips for you by: sarah
first of all do not shout or scream at your children .. they only have small minds and can get confused easily and wonder why you are shouting at them and you wonder why they dont listen to you..
if they dont focus try a few techniques like
. a star chart of good behaviour and bad and every week they will look forward to a treat .. (trust me it works) gold (good) black (bad) dont use a middle colour its good for them to stick to complete oposite colours to know right from wrong
.always treat them and say how well they are doing even if they have only wrote a small amount because to them that might be a huge acheivement.. and it doesnt help a parent telling them thats not enough do more because it will not only lower there confidence it makes them think is my parent ever going to be happy with what ever i do ...
. remeber they are only 7 year olds my 17 year old daughter can only work 2 hours straight then have to stop to let her mind have a rest then will carry on maybe half hour later .. so think how long a 7 year old would be able to work for..
. if they dont want to focus just reason with them you should know what your children are like , they might be stubbon, to talkative, move to much ( not being able to sit for long periods of time), just let them work in there own time
. dont nag at them every minute . watch your children , obsurve them , see how they work see what they struggle with,
dont turn to the i'll shout at them to work because they are not focused or concentrating. us as parents instantly think why are they not listening, or why are they ignoring me,
if none of that works turn to the taking away of there favourite things .. but dont go straight to that thats what all parents do its not the best of options when a child is tryng to work because all they will focus on is the toy or game and refuse to work ..
Apr 22, 2009
7 yr old lacks focus and gets upset easily by: Anonymous
My 7yr doesn't focus so he says he can't do it or doesn't understand alot. This leads to him getting upset in class.He needs help starting his schoolwork even though he knows how to do it. He doesn't focus enough on what he's doing so he immediately say's its too hard. He also gets very upset when he doesn't do something perfect. Playing games, sports anything. He scored very well on the schools tests and reads at a very high level. He also appears to be very immature for his age
What does this sound like?
Feb 19, 2009
Can not settle down at school by:
I also have a seven year old son that is not settle at all. He knows all his work at home and when he goes to school he does whatever he wants. He hates spelling, he complains all the time. He just does not focus at all.
Feb 03, 2009
lack of concentration/easily distracted child by: Anonymous
Hi, you have also described my 7year old son exactly. He can struggle to finish work off in class time, and made to finish this in his playtimes, which he isn't impressed by. At home he has two younger siblings, time is hard ensuring they all get input for their needs but we make the time for him to help him with work and his pleasure times. His teacher has spoken couple of times about his behaviour, wondering how he is at home etc. He can be moody and seems to resent having to do a little homework like spellings weekly. He has had recurrent ear infections and grommets inserted when he was 4. He has dropped his hearing though of late, with having glue ear. He misses things but do wonder how much he just can't be bothered! I would love to hear from anyone that is also or has gone through this for some help and advice????
Dec 12, 2008
exactly! by: Susan
My 7 year old son is very similar to this. He walks up stairs to get socks but forgets why he is up there. He is very well read and exceptional at Math, but not doing as well as expected on tests. Sometimes I have to scream his name to get him to concentrate or focus. Could there be vitamin deficiency, I just started him on daily vits. Any other ideas?
Hi, I was just reading your post and it felt like you had just described my 7 year old daughter. I just met with her teacher today, but she was at a loss as to what to do to improve her concentration. If you do find out anything i'd love to hear about it.
Emma
emmajanepage@hotmail.com
Oct 15, 2008
concentration by: Anonymous
Have you found any tips about this issue? I have a 7 yr old son and it sounds like you are talking about him. Anything might help. Thanks Dan
