20th Mindful Monday Word-Focus
Focus, some have this and some do not. Some of us need to work hard at focusing our attention on a project or a topic. The old cliche’ ‘Lazer Focused” has never been a part of my own life as I tend to get distracted, and sometimes quite easily at that. This doesn’t mean that I don’t accomplish my goals, it means that it may take me a different direction or take a little longer is all.
I’m a fan of Walt Disney, he is a talented man who didn’t give up on his own vision or himself for that matter. I’ve always believed that “If you dream it YOU can do it” you just need to FOCUS, to believe in yourself and in your goal or project. While we don’’t all believe this to be true, I do. I also believe that if your dream doesn’t look like you had thought, it’s still there! There are lessons learned along the way and while the dream might not look like you had thought it would, somewhere it is still out there. Just focus! Don’t ever give up on your dreams.
The question is, “How do we teach our children to focus?” Being aware that your child may have difficulties when it comes to focus, these worked for me…..
Tips for Helping Your Child Focus
Allow your child extra time (not to much) when working on a project or a task
Do one task at a time so that they are not distracted
Allow for breaks, stretch, breathe deep and then get back on track
Have a time and space for homework with little distractions around (worth a try)
Meditation exercises help
Whatever you do, do not get discouraged with your child, just be aware and try to adjust to figure out what will help them
Keep your eyes on the prize, when we focus and complete projects or tasks, a pat on the back is always appreciated
If a project or task is to much, break it down, then it isn’t as overwhelming to a child
Encourage your child to focus and complete the project or task
Play memory games, Simon Says, or I spy. These style games will engage your child and help them increase their memory and build better focus
When I think of focus and teaching it to our children, I think of it this way; think about when you’re teaching your child to catch a ball, you say, “keep your eye on the ball” we’re teaching them to focus! Or, when you’re teaching your children to ride their bike, you might say, “look straight ahead!” These are ways that introduce your child to what it means to focus.
Plus, when a child has focus, they are much more aware of their ‘character’ and that’s what we’re all about! Focus on your good character with the Characters of Character!
Focus on being a good listener and good behavior with Behavior Bear!
Focus on Perseverance and not quitting with Do’er Duck!
Focus on building meaningful friendships with Friendship Frog!
Focus on building healthy habits with Healthy Hippo!
Focus on using polite words and good manners with Manners Monkey!
Focus on being respectful to yourself and others with Respectful Rabbit!
Focus on being responsible for your own actions with Responsible Rabbit!
Focus on who you are and building confidence with Self-Esteem Elephant!
Focus on being kind and warmhearted with Warm-Hearted Walrus!
These are the Characters of Character and their focus is to empower your children with good character.