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Behavior Management

Jun 03
0

Eyes To The Front!

By | Behavior Management
toddlers sat on a mat reading a book with a teacher

How to get your child’s attention in an often distracting world

We love the idea of our children being inquisitive and intrigued by the new and challenging. We promote their seizing of every learning opportunity to grow their knowledge, helping them to become intelligent, strong, self-determined individuals. It makes us feel proud and think to ourselves; “that’s a job well done”. However, by promoting this investigative nature it can become difficult to get and keep their attention as they daydream and deeply explore their surroundings  - completely engrossed in a new adventure. Subsequently you may find yourself fighting to keep them on task and getting things done. This is compounded by the digital stimuli that now often fill our homes, culminating into one majorly frustrated, exasperated parent! So what can you do to get and keep their attention?

4 Tactics To Help Get Your Child’s Attention

1. Don't Yell - Be Quiet (ssshh)
They are happy in their own world, perhaps perfecting a new skill or creating a new game. Shouting to gain their attention is a stark contrast and may confuse them as they fail to realise the dynamics of the situation. By whispering they will have to focus to hear what you are saying, bringing them back to planet earth! It will also help to get eye contact by moving down to their level (see tip 3!)
woman holding finger to mouth going sssh
 
  1. Do Something Unexpected
By making a silly noise or starting the clapping game you can quickly create a new exciting event that is worthy of your child’s attention Give them a reason to break away from whatever is consuming their attention and focus on you.   
child shocked
  1. Get On Their Level
By physically moving down to their level and gaining eye contact, you are immediately connecting with them. There is no need to be intimidating in this situation and stand tall - remember they may not realise they are being rude. Reasoning through helping their understanding will provide much better results in the long run (and less tantrums!).
dad looking at toddler
  1. Be Fair By Providing A Clear Communication Of Expectations & Boundaries
Being told to explore but only when it “suits” mummy or daddy can be quite an unfair scenario when you consider it from a child’s perspective. By clearly communicating play time parameters (the amount of time and where) you can start to establish boundaries and explain when these have been breached. The concept of providing attention can then be grounded in a reality and a consistent teaching they understand. Your child will begin to understand that there are times when it is acceptable to be at one with their own thoughts and 100% engaged with a task, and other times when they must break away and give their attention to something, or somebody, else. Our Stay & Play and Group Workshops help to teach these relationship dynamics and the importance of providing attention.  
children playing with toys in washing up bowl

Final Word

Talking to a brick wall is frustrating - but shouting isn't the answer. Repetition of the right tactics is key in gaining your child’s attention without frustration and tantrums. Find what works for your child and practise - but do not be frightened to mix it up (repeating the same tactics may lose there effect as there impact diminishes). In time they will recognise that concentration is fine but attention needs to be provided to their caregiver at appropriate times. Setting clear playtime boundaries can help define what and when this is.   Stay calm and good luck!

Want more info?

Get in touch below or at hello@learningbeyondwalls.com with any questions & queries!
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