10 Simple Concentration and Focus Building Techniques for Kids with ADHD

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Imagine that you are living inside a video game, where everything is coming at you at once. Every sight, sound, and sensation is a distraction. For a child with ADHD, getting through a typical day is something like that. And it explains a great deal about how they experience the world.

Children with ADHD typically have impairment of functions such as concentration, memory, impulse control, processing speed, and an inability to follow directions.

“The good news…there is something you can do to help your child with ADHD to improve their concentration skills.”

If you’re a parent of a child with ADD or ADHD, this most likely sounds all too familiar. Over the years, you’ve probably struggled through homework sessions with your child and tried (and failed) to get them to complete certain tasks like cleaning their room or finishing yard work. And on more than one occasion, you’ve probably felt completely drained by their high energy and seeming inability to focus.

The good news is, there is something you can do to help your child with ADHD to improve their concentration skills.

For years it was thought that each of us was born with a generous supply of brain cells but that we were unable to produce additional cells or make changes in how they function. Fairly recently, neuroscientists discovered the presence of something called neuroplasticity, which enables the brain to actually grow additional cells or modify the function of existing cells.

Amazingly, cognitive exercises have been found to produce desired changes in how the brain works and how it looks. What this means for parents is that you now can work with your child to help improve their ADHD symptoms.

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Think of it this way: when you want to build up your muscles, what do you do? You do strength and endurance training. Brain exercises basically work on the same principle. They’re a way of helping your child build up focus and endurance in order to strengthen their ability to concentrate, process, and manage their emotions.

As a child psychologist and the father of a son with ADHD, I developed a host of exercises that help kids with ADHD improve their concentration. The key is presenting them as games that are fun for parents and children to do together.

Here are a few simple exercises to get you started. While doing these exercises together, be sure to provide reinforcement in the form of praise and encouragement. Keep a record of progress (usually, this will include how fast your child can complete a task or how long they can continue a task).

1. The Coin Game

Parents like this game because it improves memory and sequencing, as well as attention and concentration. And kids enjoy it because it’s fast-paced and fun.

First, you will need a small pile of assorted coins, a cardboard sheet to cover them, and a stopwatch or timer (there are lots of free timer apps available for your phone). Choose five of the coins from the pile (for this example, we’ll say three pennies and two nickels) and put them into a sequence.

Now, say to your child: “Look carefully at the coins arranged on the table.”

Then, cover the coins with the cardboard. Start the timer, and then ask them to make the same pattern using the coins from the pile. When they are finished, mark the time with the timer and remove the cardboard cover.

Write down the time it takes them to complete the pattern and whether or not they are correct. If your child doesn’t complete it correctly, have them keep trying until they can do it.

You can increase the difficulty of the patterns as you go and include pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars. You’ll see your child’s concentration and sequencing improve the more they play, which is a great reward for both of you.

2. Relaxation and Positive Imagery

Combining simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing with positive visual imagery helps the brain to improve or learn new skills. For instance, research shows that if a person mentally practices their golf swing, the brain actually records the imaginary trials the same as if they were real trials, which leads to improvement on the golf course.

In other words, kids with ADHD can imagine that they’re paying attention in class or handling teasing, which can change their behavior at school. You and your child can use your creativity and give this a try.

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3. Mind-Body Integration

An example of this technique would be to have your child attempt to sit in a chair without moving. The parent times how long the child can do this. Repeated practice over several weeks will show improvement. Through this activity, the neural connections between the brain and body are strengthened, providing improved self-control.

4. Crossword Puzzles and Picture Puzzles

It sounds simple, but these are great tools for kids with ADHD. Crossword puzzles improve attention for words and sequencing ability. Likewise, picture puzzles, in which your younger child has to look for things that are “wrong” in the picture or look for hard-to-find objects, also improve attention and concentration.

5. Memory and Concentration Games

Children’s games, such as Simon, are great ideas for improving memory and concentration. They are quick and fun.

Memory motivates the child to remember the location of picture squares, and Simon helps them memorize sequences of visual and auditory stimuli. Through repeated playing, brain circuits are exercised and challenged, which strengthens connections and thus improves function.

Also, there are countless free online games that also improve concentration or memory. You can find these games on sites such as PBS Kids, Fun Brain, and Mr. Nussbaum.

For older children and adolescents, check out the cognitive exercises provided by Lumosity.

6. Dancing Sequence Games

There are various versions to select from, depending on your child’s age and what he or she likes. These games can be played on various video game platforms, including Xbox, Wii, and others. You will also need to purchase the dance mat that goes with your system.

These games improve concentration, processing speed, planning, sequencing, and motor integration. As an added bonus, they can also be a good form of aerobic exercise.

7. Story Based Games

To play these games, all you need is a good story book and a good imagination. You can simply read a short story and give the child a pop quiz on the content. Or, you can read a paragraph or two from a story and then ask your child to come up with what they think might come next.

Provide guidance to keep the content connected to the original story. You can then add your take on what happens after your child says what he thinks happens next. If possible, keep trading back and forth and see what you end up with.

These games help with building working memory and concentration. They can also help in the development of logic and sense of humor.

8. Mazes

You can find mazes appropriate for the age of your child for free online. One site that has them is KrazyDad Mazes. Start off with easy ones and move forward. Keep track of speed and errors. Of course, don’t forget to praise improving scores.

Mazes are great for concentration, planning, sequencing, processing speed and visual-motor integration.

9. Puzzle Games

Puzzle games are very good for kids with ADHD or learning disabilities because they help build that brain muscle we were talking about, as do all these exercises. There are maze games (like Perplexus) where players must maneuver a small marble around challenging barriers inside a transparent ball, for example. You can vary the challenges to provide a variety of games.

10. Paddle Ball

Did you ever play with one of these as a kid? I did as a child and a young teen and really enjoyed it. Basically, it’s a wooden paddle with a rubber ball attached to it with a rubber band. The equipment should easy to find at a toy store or drug store.

Best to start with bouncing the ball downward and when that is mastered, switch to bouncing it upward. Keep track of how long your child can keep the ball bouncing. Encourage increasing the amount of time. For older kids, you might want to talk about what it would take to set a record to motivate them.

Conclusion

As you do these brain exercises, work together with your child, serving as their coach. Encourage them, and track their progress as they improve. Working together is a win-win solution because it also strengthens the relationship you have with your child.

Go ahead and have some fun. Do the exercises along with your child. And who knows, you may find your brain will work a little faster and smarter, too!

These suggestions are provided as activities to supplement medical and/or psychological treatment provided under the guidance of a physician or psychologist. They will enhance the benefits of the treatment but will not on their own resolve severe symptoms for a child who has been accurately diagnosed with ADHD.

Related Content:
8 Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
6 Brain Training Exercises for Children and Teens

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About

Dr. Robert Myers is a child psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD - ADHD) and learning disabilities. Dr. Myers is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at UC Irvine School of Medicine. "Dr. Bob" has provided practical information for parents as a radio talk show host and as editor of Child Development Institute's website, childdevelopmentinfo.com. Dr. Myers earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

Comments (15)
  • Raj Singh Gaur

    Simple & effective techniques for children.

    Parenting becoming more challenging day by the day due to technological disruptions. These techniques are surely going to be helpful in growth of children.

  • Prabha
    It's very helpful
  • Georgia B
    I love the idea of playing games with the child that help them manage their ADHD better! I think this is one of the best forms of treatment because the child is able to have fun while doing it. My doctor has recommended a few that I'm excited to try!
  • nancyjohn2010
    I love these ideas, I think they work perfectly well with young learners. I am actually thinking of using some of them while teaching my own kids.
  • edwartfruitman
    All these tips are very useful, but as a psychiatrist I think the fifth tip Memory and Concentration Games would be more helpful for ADHD kids. Whereas, consulting a psychiatrist would be more supportive.
  • Tiffany
    Well I'm to the point of asking for advice... My son is in 1st grade this year. He will be 7 soon. Last year in kinder he was always in trouble for being so hyper teacher always saying he couldn't focus and saying he can read but he don't comprehendMore it because he dont focus. I just chalked it up to he's in kinder and little boys are hyper! Boys will be boys kinda thing. Well we are only on week 2 of 1st grade and already every day i get a note he can't stay focus he isn't following directions well , he's hyper, asking for ideas that work to keep him focused at home( there is none we just let him jump around and be hyper he's stuck in the classroom all day he needs to get his energy out he's got tons of it!). So.. I guess now i got to figure out what direction to go because i don't want him to fall behind in school. These years are to important in building his learning foundation! But something else that was brought to my attention is that he walks on his tiptoes (i knew it already) but they were telling me it could be a sign of learning disabilities. As well as his roughness. I don't want to take him in to a Dr if they are just going to try to medicate him. That's not what i want for him. I've seen medicated kids in the family. I love my hyper bubbly loving son! I just want to help him focus at school. If it came down to a last resort nothing else working then i would consider it. He has trouble sleeping because he's a ball of energy it usually takes him about a hour or hour and a half to fall asleep. We already limited screen time and improved bedtime routine to try to help him. Now we stop all tv playing jumping running being wild about 30-40 minutes before bed and we brush his teeth and lay him down and i read whatever book he picks until bedtime. It hasn't helped! Maybe because he's still so fidgety and full of energy he hates it really because i ask him to be as still as possible! ?? anyways back to the point. Where do I start in trying to help him and his first year teacher ? she's wanting advice from me that i have no clue how to answer because i can't help him myself. Please someone point me in the right direction.
    • Rebecca Perrin

      You may fancy trying massage therapy with your son? He may enjoy the relaxation of it??

      I have a young boy who I work along side and he is a ball of energy and he thrives off impressing me. I always give him a task to do this comes with a reward.. He always wants to help me out? You could also swap the tv to structured family games time?

      Also for the classroom he will need a responsibility and possibly a fidget toy to have in his hands? He may also benefit from a wooden foot stool this tends to be for the children who like the sensory feel touch etc

      Hope this has helped

    • jilleutsay

      Tiffany, It also sounds like I wrote your comment myself... I was told my son would have a complete behavioral change when I had his extremely large adenoids removed. The adenoids create an upper airway blockage which causes the brain to not be allowed to fall into the proper state of R.E.M. at night which also causes a sleep apnea. Children process fatigue different than adults so they bounce off the wall instead of being slow and yawning and sleepy. We had high hopes for the surgery but Unfortunately his focus is still the same and he is still facing all the same bahvioral issues at school. Just throwing that out there to you and maybe that would be something you could look into. Right now my son is on an IEP at school which allows him to go into quieter classrooms at lunch and have a wiggle seat on his chair through an occupational therapist. We are now looking at a student intervention at his school alongside a behavioral specialist. We also do not want to go through with medications. You are not alone!!! This is so stressful! My son is so smart but the fidgeting and lack of focus may definitely be preventing him from learning.. good luck to you!

      Jill M

    • Amarilys Ortega

      @Tiffany  Reading your comment felt like I wrote it myself.  I also have a first grade student but he just turned 6.  He had a very creative and active Kindergarten teacher last year that knew exactly how to work with him.  This year is not the same story, since he started school all I receive are notes about his lack of focus and not finishing his work during class.  To be honest I did not know how to handle it, I kept blaming him.  I took all his toys away, screen time was also limited.  Sadly it turned into a constant fight at home to the point that he will ask me to stay longer in after care.  Last Thursday I, like everyday, took my son to school and when he went to his desk, I notice they moved him to a corner looking at a wall... I lost it!  I started crying inconsolably. Seeing my kid alienated from the classroom and his friends broke my heart. I decided to reach through social media to friends and family that are teacher and psychologist and they helped me understand that not only the teacher was handling things wrong, I was also make it worst. 

      I decided to make an appointment with a psychologist, is better to know the kind of help he needs and help me cope with the situation.  I also talked to the teacher again and address the chair issue.  I told her that if he stays alienated from the classroom, every time he comes to class, it will be a reminder that he  is not part of the group and that it doesn't matter what he does he has already been labeled.  I want every day to be a new start.  I stopped all punishments at home and instead of doing school work all the time, I'm focusing my time on teaching him, time managements skills, prioritizing, and concentration.  

      I understand that just because a child have ADD or ADHD doesn't mean he has to be medicated.  Some psychologist start with coping techniques before actually trying medication.  Another myth is that medication will affect their personalities and that they will be like robots... that is not true. 

      I know exactly how it feels and talking to other teachers, counselors and parents that have kids with this conditions will help you cope better with this and give you tools that you can share with your sons teacher.

      http://www.mommyvswomen.com

    • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport

      @Tiffany 

      It can be difficult

      when you are getting calls from your child’s teacher, and you feel as though

      you do not have suggestions to offer her.  It’s great that you are willing

      to work with your son’s teacher to address this issue, as this can be an

      effective first step in helping your son.  Janet Lehman offers more tips

      on how to work with your son’s teacher to address his behavior in the classroom

      in https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/when-your-child-has-problems-at-school-6-tips-for-parents/.  I also

      encourage you to work with your son at home on the activities described both in

      the article above as well as another article by Dr. Bob, https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-focus-exercises-for-adhd-kids/.  I recognize how challenging this must

      be for you, and I hope you will write back and let us know how things are going

      for you and your family.  Take care.

  • Nalinisasi

    My son always with playing mood..never concentrate properly

    Listening properly

    In schools he is ok good

    But at home always doing something never getting tired...what shall I do

    For increase focus. .. memory ..concentration. ..help me

    • Darlene EP

      Nalinisasi  

      In addition to the techniques

      Dr. Bob Myers offers above, you could also check out his article https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/5-focus-exercises-for-adhd-kids/ for even more helpful ideas. I can understand

      you wanting to help your son improve his focus and concentration at home if it

      is affecting his behavior, and I would implement some of the strategies Dr. Bob

      recommends. Something to keep in mind as well is that your son is able to keep

      it together at school and do well there, so he has the tools and is able to use

      them. It could be that he needs more ways to expend some energy at home, or he

      is just a really active kid and he may need to mature and develop some more. I

      hope this helps to answer your question. Thank you for writing in. Check back

      in if you having any additional questions. Take care.

  • JudyTorres
    My daughter has hard time focus whr tryn get her ready for school she 3 it takes her long time to eat breakfast please help me on advice so please she can read and do abuse count but it'sMore mainly getn her to do her name also please anyone give me advice
    • RebeccaW_ParentalSupport

      JudyTorres 

      I hear you.  It can be very frustrating when you spend

      a lot of time and energy in the mornings trying to get your child ready to

      leave for school on time.  It’s not uncommon for young children to have a

      short attention span, and to become easily distracted, so you are not alone in

      this situation.  Something you might find helpful is using a behavior

      chart to keep your daughter on task, and offering a small reward if she is

      ready to go to school on time.  We have many varieties of behavior charts

      available to download for free, including one designed for young

      children.  You can find those by clicking https://www.empoweringparents.com/free-downloadable-charts/. 

      Thank you for writing in; please let us know if you have any additional

      questions.

  • Teacher Terri
    These games look like great ideas to increase attention in children.
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