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Child Training
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I have a follow-up question to my “Routines” post. How do you teach a child to stay focused on their task and follow-through with it. My DS3.5 doesn’t go from point A to point B. He’s more A-D-F-Z-T-Q-eventuallyB… He is so easily distracted! Tips?
yes , I would like some input on this too! It seems mine can’t stay focused on dictation either. Ugh!
Three is young, but you can do a little a day and increase it with age. For example, Say cheerfully, “let’s do two chores, first brush teeth, then we will make the bed.” Have the child look at a picture chore list for reference. Follow through with him a few days and then ask him to see if he can do it by himself. Practice and praise for any positive behavior of diligence. Be patient, little ones need reminding more than big kids. It will become their routine eventually.
CM says,”In the first place, there is a time-table, written out fairly, so that the child knows what he has to do and how long each lesson is to last. The idea of definite work to be finished in a given time is valuable to the child, not only as training him in habits of order, but in diligence; he learns that one time is not ‘as good as another’; that there is no right time left for what is not done in its own time; and this knowledge alone does a great deal to secure the child’s attention to his work.” Charlotte Mason
I think Simple Home hit it on the head, a combination of teaching the child specifically and giving them a visual guide works. Another reason the Chorepacks work well for this is the child doesn’t have to go back to a picture chart to see what to do next – the cards are already right there attached to their shirt. It can be clipped in a slightly annoying place (aka the sleeve of a shirt or hem of shirt that would bump their leg) as an extra gentle reminder to look at it if needed. 😉
So you would do the routine together for a while? I’ll give a simple, common example: My DS will get distracted between using the potty and washing his hands. I end up reminding him several times to “get back in there and wash your hands”. He goes back several times before he actually does it. Or… He will get hs PJs out and sit around playing with them instead of putting them on. Does that seem personality or age related?
Thanks again!
Dana
What really helps is natural consequences. In an calm tone of voice, “Go wash your hands right away and then you will get your snack.” Or a little less positive way is “Go wash your hands OR you won’t have your snack.” Usually after one or two times of seeing that you are seriously not going to give a snack if he doesn’t wash right away, kids realize quickly and do what is told on time. It works for my kids. But like I said, three is young. I would go through the routine with him often, and give frequent reminders of your expectations throughout the week. Keep a very encouraging positive attitude, even when it’s hard! 🙂
HTH!
Dana,
Definitely do it with your child until it becomes habit. At such young ages, I have found it fairly simple to form these types of habits as long as I’m consistent. My ds who is almost 2, always walks to the sink to wash his hands after a diaper change now simply because it’s become a habit.
Expectant Encouragement is helpful, too.
Blessings,
Christie
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