How to Boost Your Child's Focus- Part 1
OVERVIEW
The ability to concentrate and sustain attention is crucially important for our children, because it helps kids learn and improve, which leads to self-confidence and positive self-esteem. In this blog series "Tips to Boost Your Child's Focus" we will both educate and give clear action steps to help your kids build their concentration muscles.
🧠The prefrontal cortex in the brain is like a muscle that requires regular exercise, just as your heart and muscles need consistent work in order to remain healthy and strong. School demands that students concentrate for long stretches of time, so it only makes sense to ensure the growth of their focus portion of the brain. đź§
Part 1 - How the Prefrontal Cortex Helps Kids Grow and Learn
The prefrontal cortex, or PFC, is the front part of the brain that helps kids (and adults!) with thinking, learning, and managing emotions. It's like the brain’s "boss" or "coach" that guides decision-making and behavior. Here's what it does:
Making Good Choices: The PFC helps your child think about what might happen before they act. It lets them stop and ask, "Is this a good idea?" before making a decision.
Solving Problems: When your child faces a tricky situation, the PFC helps them figure out different ways to solve it and pick the best one.
Remembering and Using Information: This part of the brain holds information in your child’s mind while they work on something—like remembering the steps in a game or solving a math problem.
Controlling Impulses: The PFC helps your child pause instead of reacting right away. This means fewer outbursts and better self-control.
Focusing Attention: It helps your child concentrate on what’s important—like listening to instructions or finishing homework—while tuning out distractions.
Planning and Staying Organized: The PFC helps your child think ahead, make a plan, and stick with it. Whether it’s getting ready for school or cleaning their room, this part of the brain keeps things on track.
Adapting and Being Flexible: Life can change quickly, and the PFC helps your child adjust. If something doesn’t go as planned, they can try a new way without getting too upset.
When kids develop strong skills in these areas, they’re better at handling stress, getting along with others, and making smart choices as they grow. Now that we have a baseline of understanding how the brain works, in our next several blog posts we will share with you multiple ways to both stimulate and develop their focus.
🔥Next week we dive into Part 2 of Boosting Your Child's Focus - Slowing Down & Exercising the Brain!
See you then...
Scott Yates & Team Ultimate
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