How to make resolutions seem more attainable for attention deficit children?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am looking to hear from experts on how to help children and students (mainly, but not limited to, those with attention disorders) make and keep new year's resolutions. Kindly answer the following qestions, it would be helpful: 1) How can parents, teachers, and other trusted adults make resolutions seem more attainable for children and students? 2) What challenges do people with attention disorders face when trying to accomplish important goals such as a resolution? Do these challenges differ among age groups? What specific tips would you have for people with attention disorders? 3) Would it be a good idea for children and students with attention disorders to resolve to develop focus? If so, what tips would you give? Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Here are the answers to your questions.

1) Guide them to make small, achievable goals. Once they achieve, they will be incentivized to continue and work on the next goal. 2) Reminders help, in the adult population, keep a timer for tasks so that it helps one to focus for a limited time to finish the task taken up. The key is not to keep a very long duration for completing a task. For children, ask them to do more puzzles and similar activities to help them concentrate better. 3) Yes, it would be a good idea to resolve to develop a focus for at least structured activities as a student, which one needs to do. Stare at the candle flame. Try to increase the duration gradually. Play a game that requires one to focus a lot on multiple activities like puzzles, video games, or darts. Practice meditation.

I hope you find it helpful.

Kind regards.