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
Well,I've posted early on in this conversation. My son was diagnosed with high functioning autism 6 mo ago at age 9. It was suggested he go on med so he could finish his work. He took his Cogat (he's in 3rd grade) and because of his high score he just took the ITBS,and SURPRISE! He'll be in the academically gifted program next year. However,he's still not finishing his work. He has a good teacher but like many VISUAL LERNERS,our current school system does not work for him.
Jan 24, 2012
Over Functioning Parents - Under Functioning Kids by: Anonymous
So many parents need to believe that their children are gifted, not sufficiently challenged in school, or burdened with lazy teachers. Get real!
Under functioning kids are the result of over functioning parents who need to promote their children as special. There are 5 billion people in the world. None of us is special. Raising a child to believe that he or she is "special" is setting them up for a life of disappointment and frustration. Attempting to spare them from experiencing any discomfort or natural consequences will result in a very spoiled, helpless, entitled, narcissistic child.
If a teacher is telling you that your child is distracted and under-performing, listen to that message carefully. Allow your child to "own" his or her behavior and don't rescue him when the natural consequences inevitably arise. Instead of questioning the teacher about what they are doing for your child, ask your child what it is that she is NOT doing.
Jan 23, 2012
Response to "Proud Dad" by: Be Smart
You are 100% right I'm in school now and I think I only do really good in some classes because of the teacher and how they teach because some teachers just stress you out and don't really pay attention to how the students feal and I allways think "Wow do they let anyone teach I mean this teacher dose'nt even know what he's talking about". I'm sort of a rare kid if you know what I mean I actually like learning, Which is why I say "I like learning, but not like this." I really don't like the school system at all and I'm told to take meds. too. It's sooo irritating!!!!!!!!😞 And another thing the whole thing about kids doning suicide younger and younger isn't just because of bullies it's also because of the school system and I'm speaking from experience most just hide how they feel.
Jan 15, 2012
about all the teachers saying how bright the kids are by: Proud Dad
I am very disapointed in our public school systems all trying to conform a bunch of kids into mindless zombies with drugs for adhd crap.
My 6 soon to be 7 year old first grade daughter ,Chloe has had nothing but great reports from her preschool and kindergarten teachers about how great she is and smart and how she makes all the other kids glow when shes at their table, then her first grade teacher says shes a very bright girl but she dosnt complete work and her statement to me was Im not a docter but add this and add that and you should take her to the doctor. It really erks me that all these teachers automaticlly assume there is a problem with our children, Has anyone evaluated the teachers and there axcessive use of buisy work that bores the hell out of almost every child, when I was in 4th grade I had a teacher that swamped me with buisy work and I couldnt stay on task because I was bored with it she sent home bad marks and parent teacher confrenses saying how I should be medicated but my mom was smarter than that, the next year and all the following I never had the problem agin. I think the biggest problem is the teachers wanting all the kids to be quiet and do all the work givin in the same time without any extra effort from the teacher CONFORMATY if your child dosnt fit into there mold, that they think is right, then they say your child has something wrong with them..BS if you ask me The problem is not our children! It is some of them teachers that are way old school" Ive noticed on this page that all these teachers are saying there is somthing wrong with the kids I dont beleive it. They said somthing was wrong with me when I was in forth grade, then why did my 1, 2, 3 and even 5th 6th grade teachers all liked me and said I was a great student with no problems?
Jan 13, 2012
4 year old by: Anonymous
Hi, I am so glad to see some parents with the same vein as us. My 4 year old is in playschool and we were called in and told his concentration in a group is really bad, that he wants to see what every other child is doing. He is very sensitive and any child can take anything of his and he just looks on. If he gets upset he doesn't regulate emotion well and finds it hard to calm down. Hes had Occ Health and is coming on great and the Consultant and OH teacher don't see to much of an issue but the playschool wonders what 'condition' he might have. His writing is poor but the teacher says he is very good academically, just not at putting pen to paper. He was 8 weeks prem and I am so worried about him starting school next year. Any advice at all would be great??
Oct 18, 2011
Lazy in writing by: Anonymous
My daughter is good in study specially in maths but she can not complete her writing assignment in class during class work. Now I am very much worried about her whot to do and how to improve her?
Oct 17, 2011
Some tips for understanding gifted children (part 2) by: Artigius
As far as what can be done, I've spent some time researching options. First, check with your child's teachers and counselors to see if there are alternative ways to challenge your child. This can be done by allowing them to sit-in with higher level classes for their strongest subjects, or even potentially having them skip a grade. Some schools will allow parents to supplement regular coursework with home schooling, and will accept homework done on the more challenging work in lieu of school assignments. It may be possible, if you can afford it, to get your child into a program that is designed for gifted children. Finally, there is always the option of home-schooling. Even if you don't believe yourself to be gifted, it doesn't mean you don't have the ability to challenge a gifted child better than standard schools.
In addition to this, don't be afraid to find counselors that are trained to help gifted children. Obviously, sending a child to a therapist is not an indication that they are mentally handicapped or psychologically 'messed up'. Rather, it is a way to provide your child with additional training and resources to meet the challenges that gifted life will present to them. Take the time to find a qualified therapist you can trust, and one your child will be comfortable talking with. Be skeptical about a therapist that wants to put a gifted child on ADD/ADHD medications without VERY good reason. Gifted children are often misdiagnosed with ADD/ADHD.
I also have one final comment on other activities your gifted child may seem to be getting distracted by (toys, games, hobbies, etc...). The trouble with many of these things is that they will provide better stimulation for your child (or adult!) than the boring stuff around them, and thus it becomes a very attractive diversion. Although relaxation and diversions should be included in everyone's schedules, it needs to be limited. However, note that if a gifted child does get overly enthralled in some diversion, the problem is not the diversion; rather, it's a lack of other stimulation. It is worthwhile to teach your child that the boring stuff needs to get done before other fun activities - but please understand why it is that your child may have such a difficult time concentrating on homework or chores when they know something more stimulating and interesting is nearby.
I sincerely hope that some of this information helps you to understand one potential issue your child may be facing, and to hopefully have some idea on what you can do about it.
Oct 17, 2011
Some tips for understanding gifted children (part 1) by: Artigius
I can tell you, as the adult result of being such a child, that this is a significant issue in our educational system.
As a child, and sometimes even now as an adult, I was often the same way. I often scored terrible overall marks in my classes, largely due to not turning in assignments; even so, I was always ahead of the curve when it came to the material, and scored well on tests.
Although I can tell you what was going on for me, I honestly don't have a great solution for most of you. I will, however, do my best to tell you why this happens for some children, and give you a few options.
For me, as a child, I started running into some trouble right away in first grade, but it didn't really get out of hand until fourth. The causes of my issues were, without a doubt, frustration and boredom. I was often bored with the homework I had to do, and didn't understand why I had to do homework to 'learn' a concept that I already understood. I had a lot of difficulty (and still do) motivating myself to do something that I found excessively boring, and was unlikely to offer me much educational gain. I quickly became frustrated with the system as a whole, but really had no recourse except to carry on. The long-term effect was that my grades prevented me from getting into the better universities, regardless of top-notch test scores. This left me in schools that were unable to challenge me, and I continued to not do well (I failed out of college 3x - twice I successfully appealed back in - the third time I didn't bother). Fortunately, I eventually got married, and doing well for my family provided some additional motivation; I applied to a new undergraduate program, and graduated Summa Cum Laude in three years, while working full time the last year (part time for the first two). Even with this success, and a terrific entrance test score, I still had to appeal my way into a sub-par Master's program (low marks from my early undergrad career brought my overall GPA down too much for easy entry). Now, I'm bored to tears in this program as it's only a slightly more in-depth review of my undergrad courses. I have an excessively difficult time motivating myself to do the coursework, which is why I currently find myself online writing this response!
Oct 03, 2011
to the parent of 13 yr old by: Claudia
Have you considered having him evaluated? inattentive adhd maybe? My son (I've just recently confirmed) indeed shows improvement of attention or less distraction if he follows a gluten free and casein free diet. His bloodwork came back showing the slightest reaction to them(doctor said an allergist wouldn't consider him allergic). It's a tricky diet to follow 100% of the time. It's a shame that not doing his busy work may affect his entry to a college worthy of his intelligence,but it sounds that he is not being defiant about not finishing his work. Why does he say he doesn't or can't finish it?
Oct 03, 2011
Claudia by: Pam
We started something similar at home (Chart/ Stars) My son's teacher sends home a note card laminated on a ring she signs on it; my son & I discuss it and I sign on it too - like a mini contract. It has 3 lines... First line says He started his task on time, 2nd line He listened well in class and the 3rd is He finished his task on time ... she marks it with a check if he did extremely well, and "some of the time" for harder days- I reward him with 10 minutes of tv & and a start on his home chart. (He doesn't normally watch TV during school days) The chart is for sometime a little bigger - He wants a a gold fish so when he gets 30 stars - we can get one. So far so good... I do wish we can communicate directly & share other tips & would love the support/ networking factor. The school wants him to work with a school counselor - what do you think of that?
Sep 27, 2011
Gifted Child not completing work by: Anonymous
My 13 year old son is gifted. He has qualified for our districts academic tests to enter the GT program. In his classes, the majority of his teachers really like him. He is engaged with them during class, he likes to discuss the topics with them and never hesitates to speak up and add his opinion. The problem is that he doesn't complete work. I am talking about mundane assignment that are easy "give me" grades, like writing vocabulary words and turning in worksheets. Because of this he is getting C's in his classes. This just started in middle school last year. We battled the problem all year last year and it has become an issue again this 1st six weeks. I have encouraged, sent assignment sheets to teachers, threatened and followed through on punishment with him on no games, phone, friends, tv, no going anywhere. I have even taken away the "fun" activities of boy scouts, although I still let him attend community service events. I have tried to get him to go to counseling to try and help with the problem, but he says he doesn't want to and won't talk if I make him go. He is not an angry child, but gets very defensive when this issue comes up. He seems so Laize faire, as if it really isn't a big deal! I have told him that I plan to come to his school and sit with him in his classes to make sure he is getting things turned in, but I hate to embarrass him to get him to do his work. I just don't understand this or what to do about it.
Sep 27, 2011
Pam by: Claudia
My son's new teacher has a chart for him. He gets rewarded for staying on task. It's visual,she doesn't need to interrupt a lesson to remind him to get to work,she just removes a sticker when he's off task. At the end of the week he gets a reward if he does well. It's only being going on for a couple of weeks. So far,it's helping. The neurologist suggested a little coffee in the morning(okay,she suggested a stimulant,coffee was my compromise)the teacher says it makes him chatty but it seems to help keep him focused. We've been trying a gluten-casein free diet,and I'm not 100% sure it's working,sometimes I think so. I haven't done it long enough,strictly enough to really judge. does anyone know if we can choose to send emails without posting our email address for everyone to see? I'd like to communicate privately with a couple of people.
Sep 27, 2011
Tiffany by: Claudia
Sorry I took so long. My husband is an illustrator and I'm a stay at home mom so you CAN make a living in art. Let her draw,help her get really good.I wish I had better advise but I'm in the same boat as you. Right now my thinking is,be grateful she has an interest,encourage it(don't give up on her academics) but "follow the child" like they do in Montessori schools. That's where my head is at the moment. If they can develop a passion for something that's simply an interest right now,it can become a career later. Let her explore the things SHE is into outside school. We can compare notes later.
Sep 27, 2011
may be u will help by: ruchi
hi, everyone i read all the comments & i have to tell u that i have also the same problem with my son he 3 year 4 months he is amazingly intelligent he speaks amazing he started to walk when he was 9 month. he ride cycle without trainning wheels he started when he was 2 years 10 months. but but the problem is coming in concentrating he can not concentrate more than 5 min he does not make any puzzle or legos something like that i do not understand he does not know how to make or he does not want.. he catches the thing like recorder but when it comes to games like puzzel or legos it shows he has no idea how to do.. anyways i found it that he has concentration problem so checked on the net and i found one natural medicine ( FOCUS FORMULA by native remedies ) for concentrating i am little confused do i need to give to my son or not if there is anyone who use this product plz let me know.. thanks in advance.. all the best for all the mumma's for their special one..
Sep 21, 2011
Routine by: Demi
Hi I have the same problem. I really had to battle to find help. Nobody understands what it like to have a bright hyperactive child. First of all be careful with the sugar. Secondly establish a homework routine and give your child rewards and incentives. Spanking and threatening will not help so don't do it. Thirdly give your child a challenge -allow her to work at her own level. If you have any doubts have your child assessed at an educational psychologist.
Sep 15, 2011
Too bored? Too easy? by: Anonymous
As the original poster has said, the child already knows the material, so the worksheet and homework is not necessary and extremely boring. The child doesn't need to "study" because she knows it already.
The academy may not be the right fit.
Skip a grade. Do something challenging or unknown. What is she passionate about? Google for "gifted children" or "high learning ability children"
Don't let your child languish in a boring academic system and with nothing interesting.
Sep 13, 2011
gifted? by: Boo
Might your child be gifted? If she excels in academics and has good reasoning skills, but is often bored by repetition, there is a very good chance of this.. I would suggest looking it up for yourself to find out whether or not she is, for a may be quite wrong and off the mark... I hope this helps at least a little bit? I'm no professional by any means. This is simply my perception of your situtation.
Sep 08, 2011
to Claudia by: Pam
My son is 6 yrs old - his teacher also say how bright he is,but he doesn't complete his work.
My son was a late walkers(12 mo)but early talkers, and same thing almost athletics as a small boy but as he's gotten older he's gotten "soft". He tends to be sensitive, more like a dreamer, he rather read or watch movies- done be active all the time; He too suffered from night terrors previously - but has gotten so much better.
He seems to have his head in the clouds, lacking focus to finish tasks that he started- for example - he'll brush his teeth but forgets to rinse his toothbrush & mouth, or he'd go pee and forgets to flush & put the seat down. Completing his homework is a chore, what should take 20 minutes , streches out to 40 for him. His teacher asked if I could tke to to pediatrician and see if there is something we can do to help him focus... Any thoughts?
Sep 02, 2011
claudia by: tiffany
Yes, if they are learning, I guess it's not too bad, but how do I develop good study habits now? Then end of 1st grade last year she was doing a little fractions, this school year has been a month in & in october they start their x's tables.... our school is very advance & I don't want her to loose focus and get stuck behind... seems like she's "bored", she knows her work, is not hyper-active, or naughty in class, but is just not modivated.... she rather draw, haha I'm stuck... I'm just hoping she'll be a graphic designer or something like that... maybe I'm over reacting & just let it go??
Sep 02, 2011
she sounds just like my son by: claudia
We just had him tested for allergies and he has a sensitivity to gluten and casein and peanuts(not full blown celiac) We've been trying diet for a few weeks and I seem to notice some benefit,rather, I notice that when he goes off it he is more "spacey". He also loves to draw(dad and I met in art school) and the whole visual thinker thing is challenging in our schools.As long as she's learning it's not too bad,right?
Sep 01, 2011
Same thing here!! by: Anonymous
My 7 yr old is "bored" in class... 2nd grade and she knows how to do her assignments, and will just not complete the work. We are spending hrs doing homework and sometimes she doesn't turn in all her assignments that we've completed --- I'm told, she looses focus and knows the work... I'm frustrated and have used the timer to motivate her working faster...Sometimes it works, I try to separate my 3 yr old from distracting her...She likes to draw and takes forever to do her home work.. Is there something I can do or improve her motivation?? I've tried everything, but I just don't get it?
Aug 26, 2011
thanks for the tip by: claudia
I like the multiplication.com web site,thanks! I'm ready to start some therapies with my son. Has anyone tried biofeedback? and psychotherapy? It occurred to me our children might have some self esteem as well as motivational issues.
Aug 26, 2011
Speaking from experience by: AutumnMom
My son is 9, and began having attention/focus issues at the end of 2nd grade. He has always been advanced - walked and talked early, was reading at 3, and sounds like a little professor when he speaks because his vocabulary is so advanced. All the times I've tried to tell the school that he is intelligent and that he's bored, went totally ignored and my son was pegged as a behavioural problem while I was pegged at a "hothouser" - a boaster. I took him to 2 doctors, eventually ended up at a specialist who was very reluctant to label him as ADHD - he told me my son is extremely gifted. Eventually we did try stimulants, and none of them have worked. The school eventually tried to convince me he has Asperger's, so we tested for that too. He doesn't have it. They gave him a full scale academic and intelligence test..turns out my son is Mensa-level intelligent. Yeah, tell me that it's our kids who are the problem....no, it's the SCHOOLS. I am now taking my son out of public school, at the urging of his doctors, and doing private homeschooling. I'm telling you this to say that most likely your son is very gifted and not being challenged at school - don't let them keep trying to shove a square peg in a round hole! The result will be a perpetually frustrated, angry, and unmotivated teenager and adult. Seriously.
Jul 14, 2011
Try this out by: Anonymous
Try to find out his learning style. My son is a visual learner, he easily forgets if I teach him through reading and writing. I changed my style by putting everything into pictures. Example: I know he will have a hard time memorizing the multiplcation table, so I tries the pictures and stories in Multiplication.com and it was a success and he even enjoyed it. Now, division is easy for him because he knows the story of the numbers. Here is an example: 3 is tree and 6 is chick. So the story is that; there was a a storm and because the chick wants to save his nest he carried on his back the tree. Soon he had an aching (18) back. So 6x3 is 18.
Hope I could help
Jun 27, 2011
Challenge by: Anonymous
My son has always been a challege - demanding etc (he has a twin brother and an older sister so unlike him, so please do not blame my parenting skills) Very stubborn - can very kind, caring especially to younger children. I have noted he is not liked by his peers to the same extent as his twin. We have tried to improve his social skills but I think that this is a personality problem. Does not like to try new things, gives up very quickly. Does not like change etc He is very bright, brilliant at his reading etc but I am told loses concentration in class and does not always complete tasks. Can he bored as he a lot "sharper" than his twin but yet his brother does better overall. How do we help him with completing tasks & improving his concentration? Tx
Jun 14, 2011
Exactly the same by: AnonymousPenny
Hi, thanks for describing my child so succinctly! I have exactly the same issue. My daughter's teacher has a background in child psychology and still struggles to get her to complete or even start tasks. My thinking is that the physical act of writing is going slower than her thoughts are spilling out. Teacher has suggested working on writing quantity so that it becomes an automatic action done without thinking, like riding a bicycle. My plan is to have a silent day this weekend where we is pretend we are mute and can only communicate in the written form. Hoping it will be a fun day willed with lots of post-it notes! Good luck and please let me know if you can think of anything else to do. Xx penny
May 12, 2011
perfect the way they are.... by: Anonymous
Maybe the problem isnt the child but the system, if the child doesnt fit into the system then he or she needs 'adjusting' and we end up pumping this poor kid with medication, or hours of therapy or playing the blame game at home.
Sometimes ,it is not the child that is distracted /lack of concentration but the the teacher or the parent that is distracted/ lack of concentration and they are projecting it onto the child.
Give a child first, that which you require from them.
Apr 04, 2011
RE: Bedwetting by: Anonymous
That is true, it's not always a sign of sexual abuse. Especially with really young children(under the age of 5) since they can not always communicate their fears to us. Bedwetting is something that does happen, I guess it's kind of their bodies way of trying to let us know that something is going on that our child is otherwise unable to tell us themselves.
I wasn't trying to scare anyone, I was just speaking from personal experience since I was first raped when I was 5 years old and I guess I just kind of went with the most extreme worst case scenario for those signs. Divorce, seperation(or really any other major and/or drastic changes) in a young child's life can trigger all sorts of thing. Sometimes even something that might be seem simple to us(i.e. a change in normal habits, like bed/bath time routine or moving to a new house)may have greater impact on a young child that can not fully comprehend the changes in their world.
Again, I didn't mean to scare anyone or jump to conclusions. If I was actually around the kids, I would have had a better idea on if sexual abuse was even the case or not. I really hope that is not the case but it never hurts to make sure. My rape and molestation went on for years, right in my parents' own home with both my parents sometimes in the very next room! I was so young at the time, I didn't know what was going on or that I even should have told anyone, so I guess that is probably why I am even doubly paranoid about any signs that even hint at sexual abuse.
Apr 02, 2011
(APD) Auditory Processing Disorder by: cheeney
alot of these posts describe the behaviour of my 9 year old son. from the age of 4 his teachers have complained about his concentration or lack of. My boy is very well behaved and eats a very healthy diet and this is driving me mad as i know he wants to do well as he does try hard but is so forgetful he forgets what he doing half the time, he can go upstairs for his school bag and will come down without it. and is constantly forgeting basic instructions to do things. after years of reaserch i have now stumbled across information on Auditory Processing Disorder, (APD) a disorder where the child struggles to process/remember verbal instructions. As i only recently come across this i dont know very much about it but i am now trying a few thing with my son like last night i jotted down a list of 4 things i wanted him to get from round the house, he read the list and returned in mins with them all, i should just add he never took the list he just read it. I was amazed i am going to keep on with little tests fora few weeks then approach my doc. It may be worth some of you having a read just google Auditory Processing Disorder.
Mar 28, 2011
just adding a little more to my last post by: Claudia
Found an article on the diet for adhd, I'm thinking that's where some of our kids are, or slow cognitive tempo(sounds so ugly right?)www.wzzm13.com/news/article/158556/205/Study-Supports-Restricted-Diets-for-Kids-with-ADHD My twin daughters are seeing a tutor twice a week(she can tell the girls apart) and she doesn't see a significant difference in their abilities. I feel the individual teachers and wether the child and teacher connect makes influences their perception of the student.
Mar 28, 2011
Thanks for the help but... by: Claudia
Thanks for your help but I don't think it applies to my kids. They've never had a babysitter,I'm always around,and their prek had video cameras in all the rooms. I can't imagine when it could have happened. I think it must be a neurological issue. However,a little tactful chat can't hurt. I will be having them evaluated by the school within a month. I recently found out that children who walk early,who either never crawled or crawled for a very short time,may be missing connections that allow the two hemispheres to communicated efficiently. (My son walked at 9 mo and the girls at 10,born at 35 weeks) The problems it could cause are similar to the ones we've been discussing as well as poor coordination,there could also be some reading issues,dyslexia,trouble sitting still for a long time... Apparently there is a reflex that is outgrown by crawling that these children never lose. I asked our pediatrician about it and she confirmed it,she also added that she had just read a study that found dietary intervention work as well as medication.
Mar 28, 2011
Reference to Bedwetting in Children by: Anonymous
Re. the above, can I just say that just because some young children wet the bed on a regular basis it doesn't mean they're being sexually abused. True it is often psychological (e.g. being bullied at school) but not necessarily for that reason. My stepson kept wetting the bed when he stayed with us (and at his mum's house, too) from the age of about 4 - 6 years old which we realised was probably due to his inability to explain how he felt about his parents splitting up & getting divorced (his older sister had counselling because she was able to tell her parents she couldn't deal with it but he couldn't communicate this so wet the bed instead). In the end whenever my stepson stayed with us my husband used to make him go to the toilet before he went to bed & would then wake him up to go again before we went to bed as we felt the other reason was he got lazy or was in such a deep sleep he forgot to get up to use the toilet. In time he accepted the situation & grew out of this as he got plenty of TLC from us & his mum.
Mar 04, 2011
@Claudia... by: Hoping to help
@Claudia- Most kids are bright and underestimated because they are kids. They may be bored or could also be experiencing things in a way that adults can't comprehend.
Just because twins are 'identical', doesn't mean that they will be exactly alike. In fact, some identical twins are so different that even though they look identical, you can easily tell them apart based on their personality, style, walk, etc.
As for the bed wetting and night terrors, without actually meeting you kids, I can only make assumptions and I know that those are signs of some sort of abuse(usually sexual), molestation and/or rape. It's a horrible thing to think about and like I said, I can't be sure without meeting them, but you may want to look into that. Research on-line about the signs and if you can, try to sit down and talk with them. Even if they are, they may not even tell you even after you ask them about it. I wish I could help out more with that but there isn't much I can via the internet.
Just be patient and understanding. Don't be negative or confrontational because you will never get them to talk about it if you don't approach them the right way. Of course, they may not be the case with your kids. I just know that bedwetting and night terrors are signs of sexual abuse, molestation and/or rape.
Mar 04, 2011
my 6 years old son by: Anonymous
do the teachers know the kids well. they have at least 20 kids. parent knows their kid well. you guat felling is alway right not the teacher not the doctor
Feb 16, 2011
have you noticed by: Claudia
Have you guys noticed that all these children are bright? My son's teachers all say how bright he is,but he doesn't complete his work. I'd like to compare notes. I have two children with this problem. They were both early walkers(9mo)but late talkers,almost athletics as small children but as they've gotten older they've gotten"soft". Their hands specially. They both are bedwetters,very sensitive,kind,artistic,they both suffered from night terrors at times. One of them is an identical twin but her twin is a typical child with none of those issues. Anybody?
Feb 16, 2011
thank you by: Anonymous
This post gives me some peace to know we we are not alone. Please keep ideas flowwing its very comforting.
Jan 31, 2011
... by: Anonymous
Now I'm not that old but I've been through almost everything you can possibly think of in my life and to me it just seems that now-a-days there's "disorder" for dang near everything! I do believe that some people and children do suffer from certain things, it is possible that a child could have ADD/ADHD but why are parents so quick to medicate? Part of being a parent is having to "put up with a difficult child".
My son is 7, he's extremely bright and intelligent and grasps concepts well above his age level. He too has a problem with settling down or listening. I think that it may be schools that are the problem. How many 6-7 year olds do you know that can sit still and spend 6-8 hours a day in school just sitting at a desk with only one 20 minute recess?!?!?
Children are natural very active and curious and I think that most people just don't research enough or put forth enough effort in being real parents. I see plenty of people that just have kids but don't put any real effort in actually raising, playing, interacting and treating their children right. Yes, they're kids but that doesn't mean you should treat them like they're dumb.
I never talk down to either one of my kids, I talk to them as an equal and explain things to do them. I don't just expect them to listen to me just because I'm an adult and they are a child. I treat them with the same resepect I would an adult because that is what they are growing up to be.
Now, don't get me wrong, some kids do actually suffer from actual disorders or learning disabilities but not nearly as many as most people think. It could be the food you're feeding them especially since now-a-days there are so many chemicals, hormones and processed junk in everything. Aside from the children who truly do lack something in their chemical make-up or brain, everything else really comes down to the parents and the people and environment they expose their kids too.
Jan 25, 2011
my son is the same by: claudia
I have an 8 yr old boy,just like your daughter. I understand exercise should help,running,omega 3. I've been reading The Ultramind solution and Healing ADD by Daniel Amen. They seem to have a lot of sound information about how to manage innatentive ADD. Also,consider food sensitivities,gluten for example. I figure try everything before medication,right? If you find something that works please share.
Jan 25, 2011
Feeling of helplessness.... by: Anonymous
I have read and can relate to most of the other comments. However, what can be done!
I have an adopted son, this is a major issue as I know he is intellegent, however I "think" this might be a major setback for the eventually...
Please assist, what can I use....
Please
Jan 24, 2011
lack of concentration by: Anonymous
My 6yr old daughter who's in 2nd grade at times have problem finishing her classwork. She's a very intelligent girl 4.0 student. The problem I have is she is very slow with her writing which at times causes her not to complete her classwork. I don't want to discourage her in any way, but I do need any ideas on how I can help her to adjust to writing more quickly. I am thinking and hoping its just a lazy phase that will eventually blow over.
Jan 24, 2011
Reply by: Anonymous
Your comments are based on ignorance. Do some research before you start slinging nonsensical statements around.
Jan 24, 2011
I relate to all of the above by: Glenda
I really get frustrated with my sons lack of concentration, he is super intelligent, but loses focus easily. It has been a struggle, I have 2 boys, 15 and 8. My oldest had ADD and was put on medication in the 2nd grade.(much to my heartbreak). He remained on it until the 7th grade, and we stopped it, he wasnt eating, and became like a zombie, he seemed worse to me. My little guy makes much better grades,(honor roll) and, is going to be tested for the gifted program. He struggles with completing assignments, and focus. His kindergarten teacher was really hard on him, she kept him from fun field trips, and took away playground time, and I finally had to go to the school and talk to the principal about her abusive techniques, that were a big punishment, and they didnt work!!!!!! I could go on and on, but time is limited, anyway I wont do medication for my little guy, because he gets the concepts, and understands the work, just trouble completing everything. He is in third grade now, and, Im still hearing the same things from his teacher, but she only suggests he be tested JUST TO RECEIVE EXTRA TIME ON WORK, and REDUCED WORK AMOUNTS, NOT FOR MEDS.I cant critise anyone who chooses meds, but I personally dont agree with it. Who knows what the long term effects might be. IT really annoys me when the term DAYDREAMING is used in a negative manner!!!! kids who daydream are creative, and very intelligent, dont ever let anyone tell you its a bad thing!!!! I have a list of famous people who were labeled slow learners, and destined for failure by teachers, you might be suprized as to who is on the list. Just google it. Just do everything you can to be an advocate for your child, you are the parent, and you get to make the decisions about what is best for them, Ive heard it all, I'm still experiencing it with my second child, good luck to all the parents, and I hope you find answers!!! Glenda
Jan 20, 2011
Think about what is going on in ur family| life may something at home be distracting them? Attention? Insecurities? Being compared? We r to blame! Quit blaming the kids nothing is wrong with them... by: Anonymous
Parents! All of u! Think about what u r doing to ur kids when u put their developing brains on these meds...basically meth! Think about what it does to an adult mind let alone a childs developing brain? They diagnosed my nephew with add at 5 yrs old put him on ridalin. And so forth different meds as yrs progressed and they found things wrong with the oned he was using at time...ten yrs later they come back to say he never had add he is autistic...maybe aspbergers! Where the drugs all these yrs why? They now diagnose him with this! Add adhd is an adult behavior...it is a cowardly anecdote for physicians to say to parents that cant handle or doesnt have time to deal with a normal child and allow they to develop their own personality & individuality. Because they arent "mormal" "!ike all the other students"..and the teachers, over worked under paid...While some are dedicated and sincere others are the main problem they dont want to deal with 21 kids being kids....They actually want to place these kids as ben?
Jan 18, 2011
is it same with my son or its childhood ? by: Anonymous
dont now exactly is it a prob or not , but i guess it is,coz my son spend most of his time in studies n knows exactly everything but in exams especially in maths he does silly mistake like in addition sun he adds but at once he subtract . n vice a versa, never revise papers though he says after exams he says he did but he dont he deserves 25/25 but he gets 19/25 due to sillyness, i m not worried much for grades but i m bothered y he s not able to understand that he s harming himself, i beat him , i scold him but to no resort i dont want him to spoil his lyf bcoz of insincearity pl advice me, my b i m wrong somewhere in grooming him so pl assist me.frm a mom
Jan 07, 2011
my son is also having same problem of distraction &concentration by: prajakta
I have also same problem with my child who is also 7 yrs old.At the first session in school he was very good in his all studies.But suddenly after vacations he join school and so many complaints coming to me.From that day I m very abset.Because i took lots of efforts .but day by day.he is not listining .mischief with friends and her 2 yr old sister.I use all techniques to analyse him.But all is waist. But I ll not demoralise I ll take initiative and I ll make my son that much capable that he can face all situations in his life Thats it so parents dont worry. this only called childhood.
Dec 21, 2010
long time behavior may indicate issues by: Anonymous
So many people commented that it's just normal kid behavior. Sometimes. But sometimes when it causes such frustration, there may be an underlying problem. I have two children in the same class. The older one, though extremely bright, has difficulty focusing and completing work. His grades are way below what I would have expected from a child of his intelligence. His younger brother is much better able to focus and complete work. Each child is different. But it seems to me that one exhibits an attention problem while the other (same family, same class! -- but different personality and temperament) does not. This is a problem that has been going on for a long time, and I suspect it is not just "kid" behavior. Not every kid has this problem!
Dec 09, 2010
NO Meds for my child by: AFRICAN MOTHER
I have the same issue with my son. He is 7 y/o and he can hold a conversation out of this world with a grown up. Uses words in ways you wouldn't believe. When i speak with his teachers they all tell me the same thing too. He is very samrt but he can't focus. Well although alot of parents go to a Dr. and get their kids checked out for ADD and ADHD the meds within their self can have a disability that can impair something within the child when they are older. You have to think when i was a child they didn't have ADD and ADHD. if a child was hyper and playful then he was just being a child. Kids grow out of things.
Don't make the decision to medicate your child to enhance their mood or ability at such a young age. A parent would not want their child to grow up with certain issues caused by a medication that you made them take because you were not happy with their education performance or simply by their childish behavior. Kids will always be kids let them live out their life the way that most of our parents let us live our childhood.
Nov 11, 2010
My daughter by: Virginia
Firstly, please excuse of my English since this is not my st language. My daughter is just 8 year-old. She had a good day and bad day. One day, she finished her class work in flash and excellent. Another day she refused to do any classwork. I taught to her class teacher about learning difficulty issue. He said her intelligent far ahead from her performance at school. She didn't show her true ability in school. Her school report always comment her EASY DISTRACTED AND LOCK OF CONCENTRATION. Her private tutor (PHD and has over 40 years teaching experience) told me her reading level is Grade 5 that means 3 level up of her actual school Grade. The major problem, she placed a wrong value of the school. She think school is for fun, play, making friends and building friendship, daily routine ....etc the knowledge comes last in her sensation statement. She always talk well and love to company with adult since 2 years old. Any suggestion?? Why dose she preform nice in school
Nov 11, 2010
Kids are just kids! by: Anonymous
I agree with some of the parents above - there is nothing wrong with your kids, it's not denial, they are just being kids! From all the explanations I read and from my own experience I figured that may be the biggest problem is the educational system - may be they are not teaching our kids the proper way. I come from Eastern Europe and when I was little we only spent 5 hours in school, every 45 min had 10 min recess and we had enough time to do homework after that and play on the street!I don't even remember my mother or father helping me with homework. Now my kid spends almost the entire day at school and of course homework is a torture for her. Who wants to do homework when one can do more fun things? Remember when you were kids - did someone ever enjoyed school so much?! Well, we used to be more disciplined, because we were afraid of some of the teachers - they could slap us or punish us. Now the teachers have to be much more creative in making the students pay attention in class, because they cannot establish discipline the way old timers did. And yes, it is the teacher's job to be creative in such things. So don't jump into conclusions that your child has ADD/ADHD, some learning disorder, dyslexia or etc. I am not planning on medicating my kid, though I have exactly the same problems most of you do. I also scream at her and ground her (I know it's not wright and it doesn't help, but I am only human...), try to reason with her, etc. And I will definitely try the Omega 3. I don't know why I didn't think of it so far...
Oct 19, 2010
Distracted Children by: Anonymous
While having intelligent, distracted children is frustrating, I happen to agree that they are just being kids. I was the same as a child. Day dreamed, was interested in what was going on around me rather than what the teacher was going on about etc... Why jump to conclusions? Do your children have recess? Gym classes? Is there a balance of physical activity and academic rigor? The over medication of children acting like children is dangerous. While there of course, are instances where perhaps there is not another option....when did it become a physical disability to be a kid?
Oct 03, 2010
Perhaps it's food/ schools? by: Anonymous
Food can and does play a major role in a child's ability to focus and function normally. While a child may have a genuine neurological imbalance keeping their diet free of allergens(yes, get them blood tested!) and chemical additives in their food will go along way to help any child. Controlling environmental allergens may help as well. Some children are very chemical sensitive and that can very much affect their behavior, cognition and so forth. Also, consider their intelligence, how clearly smart they are and ask yourself is it perhaps time to change the education model? The children of this generation seem to have these characteristics overwhelmingly more than any other generation. Perhaps, at the end of the day, they simply learn differently than we did.
Oct 02, 2010
London UK by: E Banks
My daughter is now 10 and was exactly the same at 7. Things only started to change at 9. I believe this is just something to do with maturity. I am sure your daughter will change as she gets older. It sounds like she is a normal 7-year-old! Homework is boring!!. With my daughter I tried to get her to do little projects with me on things she was interested in at home, like her favourite animals, writing little stories about her barbies etc... Good Luck!
Sep 26, 2010
Follow-up to my post on May 29th by: Anonymous
I had decided to take my boy in for testing at a psychologist because even though he is an intelligent kid, things just didn't seem to make sense to me that he could not finish schoolwork or homework. He was diagnosed with ADHD Combined type. We haven't started him on meds yet but intend to because if there is something out there that can help him succeed in school and regain confidence in himself why not try it? The diagnosis has helped us as parents understand him as a person and to know his limitations. The schools also benefit in knowing he has this disorder. They can and have changed the way they are guiding him as a student to accommodate his limitations as well. Even if we had chosen to not go the medication route, it is a win-win situation to get the diagnosis and be able to have an explanation for the behavior our kid is exhibiting. We are more able to work around the problem now with being more educated about the disorder.
Sep 25, 2010
13 year old problem teen by: Anonymous
my daughter is also kind of the same as the above mentioned posts.she is ABSOLUTELY NOT interested in studying.i blow my lungs out yelling at her but it makes no difference.she is just not bothered if her school work is complete or not.earlier she was ok in studies i used to face some problems earlier too but they wern't much.now she is 13 and i am really going crazy.at home she answers back and doesnt listen to me.very defiant and rude.her sister and dad have given up on her but i dont want to so soon.all she wants to do is watch tv the whole day.even during exams it makes no difference to her.plz help and tell me what is it that i shoud do?
Sep 14, 2010
I've found some answers... by: Serious people only, no flaming emails! - nschleppe@hotmail.com
My son was always a little hard to handle, had to touch everything all the time & never stopped. I had SO many conversations with the teacher/principal/special needs, etc. I was told he had Sensory Integration Disorder. Which is having a loose filter in the brain that lets in too much stuff and can't filter between important and unimportant. It has no cure & no meds.
I tried EVERYTHING, time outs, sit cushion, weight vest, special needs resources... you name it we did it! My Dr suggested a trial of ADHD meds and since I had already tried EVERYTHING, it was worth a shot. It was only 2 weeks and I could stop any time I wanted.
I will add that he is very intelligent, uses words of a 14 year old in grade 2, asks amazingly difficult questions, did very well one on one with math. He can also "hyper-focus", he will spend 6-8 hours building a star wars Lego ship. But he can't put his clothes away or hear his teacher.
You would not believe the difference! He went from being in trouble ALL The time to a near perfect student. The teachers and the principal love him, he's respectful, gets his work done, earns special privileges, and almost NEVER gets into trouble any more. I wanted to phone the school and ask why they haven't called me in over a week??
DON'T BE AFRAID OF MEDS! If a child does have ADD/ADHD there is NO OTHER FIX. Diet, restrictions, therapy, none of it is going to work! They are missing a chemical in the brain that the body is not producing and therefore it needs to be replaced on a daily basis.
On the other hand my daughter has inattentive ADD. Which is very similar and very different. She has NO hyperactivity, is a very pleasant child, NEVER gets into trouble, very smart but very slow to learn. She uses intuition and doesn't ask questions so she often doesn't get stuff right. She's not doing well in school, will look you in the eye when you're talking to her but you can see she's not hearing a thing you say, blurts things out that have no relevance to the conversation and don't even make sense, and never knows what's going on even after you've told the other kids while she's standing right there.
We started her on medication & now she won't stop talking! Her conversation is relevant to what's going on, she makes sense almost all the time, and is enjoying school a lot more. We haven't found the right dose yet as it takes longer without the glaring hyperactivity sign, but we're working on it with her teachers.
If your child does have ADD/ADHD don't deny them medication! Find a good Dr who has experience and talk to them, at least be open to try. Your child can suffer a lifetime of not doing well and getting into trouble which can affect their family, self esteem, grades, education, really their whole life! IF there was a 'magic pill', wouldn't you want to 'try'?
Sep 10, 2010
Dont be in denial by: Anonymous
Have the child checked for LD (learning disability) or ADD & HADD. HELP Your child, and stop being in denial
Sep 10, 2010
Easily distracted/lack of concentration in an intelligent 6yr old by: Anonymous
Today was my 6yr old daughter's 3rd day of first grade and the teacher told me she has a lack of concentration and is easily distracted, I'm so glad I found this website, at least I know I am not alone. Like your daughter, my 6 yr old is very intelligent, her kindergarten teacher said the same thing the first grade teacher is saying, they know she understands and knows the work, but has problems writing out the task or answers in a timely fashion, she completes her work, but is the last child to do so. According to certain websites, she has only on trait of ADHD which is lack of concentration. I have no intention on medicating her. She can and has held conversations with doctors and lawyers and anyone that holds a conversation with her has said that she is very smart and well spoken. I don't want the school to even suggest that she may have ADHD. Has anyone found any information or help with lack of concentration and completing classwork in a timely fashion?
Aug 27, 2010
Lack of concentration,uncompleted school work, Lazy by: Anonymous
since kindergardon every report card read.. easily distracted, uncompleted tasks, always interupting the teacher, daydreamer, very loud at times. And in the interviews they say and i know she's above average in reading and spelling words such as characteristic at year 2 and knows her times tables from 1 through to 11 except 9's. but she fails to show this with her school work so the teacher have to give her a below average grade. they have given her a test for adhd an say she's a perfect candidate. but im not going to put that next to her name too be treated differently. she is tall for her age an has abit of a belly, so kids pick on her calling her name and she retaliates by yelling back or few occasions pushing, so now the teachers say she also has social behaviour problems an she doesnt get along with other kids. At home she's very lazy never pick's things up and i have too ask her countless times to one simple task. Timeout - done it, she sat there the whole time, when she moved off the seat i put an extra 5mins on that didnt bother her so she kept moving it ended up being 2hrs, what do you do still stick with an just give her a pillow an blanket. Reward chart - done it didn't get one day it, bribeing never works. toys that wasnt picked up i lock away in a box, by the end of the week she said to just throw them all out, so i did, didnt bother her. No yelling - i stopped yelling at her about 1 year ago. No tv - she's gone a whole week of no tv, she happy reading a book. at the moment she's been without the wii for 3 weeks cause she threw the remote, she hasnt missed it. the only thing that i think im not doing is smacking her. friends have said i give her too many warning (5-6) i dont remember the last time i smacked her, prob 6mnths, an i didnt like the way parents looked at me cause she went to school lookin like she'd been crying for a weeks. PLEASE NEED HELP ON DISCIPLINE
Aug 16, 2010
Try Learning Disability (LD) by: Anonymous
My 8 year old daugther was always a happy little girl, with many friends, was smart and did well in school especially in math. Her big problem was reading. Since first grade she has had a reading support teacher helping her. She improved enough each year, but not what me and my husband thought was enough. She alawys seemed so behind and fustrated with the reading. We spent nights upon nights trying to help her with the reading. This year she started 3rd grade. She was still getting reading support from the same teacher. 2 months into the year her teacher started telling us that she was Easily distracted, lack of focus, having difficulty with making friends, acting out in class, liked to tattle on other kids . The school counsler was calling me and always saying my daughter seems so FUSTRATED!!. I could not understand what was happening to my little girl. After months of consistant worry & sleepless night I finally started to do some of my own research. I just went onto google and started puting in "children who are eaisly distrated in class, children who are acting out in class, children who are fustrated in class.. etc." Low and behold I kept being directed to sites for Learning Disabilities. Having LD is not just struggling with learing it effects other issues. Like friendships, focus, fustration, acting out etc. I had to fight & fight with the school to have my daughter tested for LD. They finally agreed, and guess what? She was classified with a learning Disability. She scored the lowest in reading for the whole entire 3rd grade. Although the news was very overwhelming to us. I was finally at peace that we knew what was wrong. Sometimes as parents we need to do our own investigating & research on our own. My daughter goes to a "Blue Ribbon School" and had the same reading support teacher for 3 years. It saddens me deeply that not one teacher could figure out what was wrong. Here I am never went to college I am not an experienced teacher. All I did was go onto the internet and do a little research on my own. We all have to do whats best for our kids and always put them first. Take it from one parent who was ready to pull out all her hair. When you get that feeling that something isnt right with your child, and you all know what that feeling is. We all have felt it before. Fight and do what ever it takes to solve the problem and get the proper help for your child. We as parents are really the only ones that are there 100% looking out for them. P.S. Just because a child does well in school & gets good grades it dosent rule out LD.
Jul 13, 2010
My 10 year old Easily distracted, Lack of focus, Highly intellingent by: Anonymous
I have seen a lot of the comments here describing my 10 year old son, very similar problems, what baffles me sometimes is his level of intelligence sometimes when he asks questions, his use of words. He is very interested in cars and games and there is virtually nothing he cannot tell you about these two areas of interest but in his school work in all three core subjects he is below average. I am willing to do anything to help him but i cannot really figure out what the problem is. You cannot ask him to do two things at a time, he will forget! He will ask questions like "Do God's mouth smell?", why is the moon not triangular shape?, If everybody dies, won't it be boring for God if he is the only one left alive! and a host of other interesting questions. I need all the help I can get!
Jul 03, 2010
Vision is more than 20/20 by: Anonymous
My daughter had the same problems. She struggle in Kinder and first grade. She is intelligent but her problem was that she never finish her work on time, lack of concentration,distractibility, fustration... When she was verbally tested at school, she knew the answers. I thought she had ADD or she was lazy. I was refered to a pediatric develomental optometrist. He did a Bioncular vision evaluation and find out a lot of problems with her vision. She had regular vision exams since she was 2 years and they just said her vision was 20/20. Never had this type of exam before. Now she is going though vision theraphy on her last phase. The change is amazing.
May 29, 2010
Intelligent 7 year old not finishing classwork by: Anonymous
My 7 yr old behaves the same way as most of you described. He has this lack of concentration, lack of finishing his work in school. We saw it in Kindergarten and it still persists in 2nd grade. The teachers first thought that I should hold him back a year in school but tested him and found that he knew all the concepts that they were teaching but just did not complete his classwork. Further testing determined that he was a creatively gifted child. These are classic symptoms of a gifted child. It looks like ADD symptoms. Funny thing is my kid can concentrate for hours on sometime he is interested in or on a project of his choice. Have I come up with a solution to help him complete his classwork? Well, behavior charts/reward system work some of the time. Find something that the kid really really wants and give him points towards getting it. Say they need 25 points and each time they exhibit the right behavior (finish their work in school that day) they get a point or two. They like to see that progression of moving closer to their goal. This may require you to interact with their teacher more to make sure it is really happening. I am still dealing with this challenge. I think this may be a constant challenge throughout his scholastic life. These kids are intrinsicly motivated or motivated by their own interests and external motivators don't always work every time.
May 21, 2010
Sensory Processing Disorder? by: Anonymous
Sounds exactly like my son who has been diagnosed with SID (not ADD or ADHD). It is treatable with Occupational Therapy, and most effective at younger ages. Our situation is unique, and many children have SID without the same cause. At two and a half our son was diagnosed with a speech delay, caused by recurrent ear infections, which also affects the part of the brain that manages balance and sensory learning. At three and a half he was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder (http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist.html). We've been in therapy for about a year and can hardly believe he is the same child.
Before, we could hardly understand him, he seemed to ignore everyone and preferred to play alone, he could barely use scissors, much less use a crayon, and showed marked difficulty with activities requiring physical coordination.
Now, his speech is about eighty percent coherent, and even more so in context, he loves playing with other children, uses scissors like a champ and is ahead of his peers physically. The most difficult challenges have been with his speech and his focus in circle time, and when receiving general instruction. We have to first obtain direct eye contact, sometimes with touch (hand on shoulder, for example), and then give the instruction.
Amazingly he responds perfectly when we do this. Providing instruction from a distance, or in a group setting hardly works for him, which is our biggest concern for the public school setting. How can he learn if he can't attend to a lecture? We've been advised that this will be our greatest challenge. We plan to continue Occupational Therapy and gym classes since we have seen very positive results from these treatments thus far. We are considering adding music lessons since some research shows improved learning skills in children who practice a musical instrument or foreign language.
May 05, 2010
its becoming more & more!!! by: A frustrated mother
I dont have anything to say more than all what I have read here, my 10 years old son is having the same lack of concentration problem,he is in Grade 5 now,but the big problem is that he is failing his school exams ..
when he study at home whith my and his fathers help,he is more than perfect!!! he knows everything,what he have to understand he understand 100% and able to recite all his lessons.. last year he got a certificate from his (previous) school that he is a"Math Genious" !!! this year he still loves math and he is able to solve all kinds of math problems mentally and very easily and quickly , at home he always gets 100/100 in all his exam sample questions,but at school he fails all his maths exams and even other subjects exams!!!! and all the time he thinks that he will get full marks in his exams,and when we went to his school and requested to see his exams we found that all the exams its Multiple choice questions,and he always chooses wrong answers,which are not logical at all to choose and he himself when he tells me about how the exam was he keeps loughing from the extreemely unlogic wrong answers that he has to choose from them,and he says that they always put one very obvious correct answer that this answer is telling you please choose me !!!! in his mind he chooses the correct answer and knows it very well and sure of it, but he circles the wrong answer in the answers paper!!! in the biginning of this year he was much better than now in everything,in the first term he paased all his exams and his average was 89%.. In the second term his marks starts decreasing in everything gradually but in maths fastly an shockingly!!!, but his average still OK 72%. now we are in term 3 and he is failing all exams in all subjects,specially spelling tests and grammer and maths,and his average untill now is 55% and to pass and to be promoted to grade 6 he should get minimum 60%. Even his Social Studies exams which is an open book exam,and after each question they put the page where the answer is,but still he couldnt pass the exam and always not getting more than 35/100. please if anybody have any kind of answer that may help my son dont be late to tell me about it before his final exams start at the end of this month(may).. And excuse me for my bad English as its not my first or even second language.
Apr 28, 2010
Kids by: Anonymous
Have you ever thought that your kids just might be being KIDS!? Quit worrying about them being distracted or being hyper. Kids are kids they grow out of it. Now a days you parents are overreacting. Quit medicating when its not needed. Think about what it was like when you were young. Just because its easy to put your kids on drugs so you can have it "easy" does not make you a good parent.
Mar 11, 2010
Some of Your kids May have ADD by: Anonymous
Some of you should not rule out ADD/ADHD just because your kids are not hyperactive. There is a form of ADD called inattentive ADD where they tend to drift off and can't focus on what they are supposed to do.
Others of you should have your kids checked for a learning disability. I read that dyslexia does not only impact reading but writing as well.
Still others of you should possibly see if your kids might have an auditory processing disorder.
Speak to your kid's school psychologist. I myself have bought books to read up on these topics. Go to the library and educate yourself on these disorder because only you can know which way to advocate for your child. Good luck!
Feb 23, 2010
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
