Mindful Focus: How I teach kids to silence the noise.
In a world where distractions abound and attention is a sought-after commodity, the role of parents and educators in guiding children toward focusing on the right things is not just important, but influential. Epictetus’ words echo through the ages, reminding us of the power of directing our attention wisely. As parents and educators, we hold the key to cultivating mindful focus in the younger generation, shielding them from the allure of inferior entertainment and empowering them to shape their own cognitive landscapes.
The digital age
Media bombardment is relentless in today’s digital age, constantly vying for our children’s attention at every turn. From social media notifications to streaming platforms, the temptation to surrender control of one’s focus is ever-present. Yet, in this sea of distraction lies not just a challenge but also a beacon of hope for discernment and empowerment. How do we relay the message? How do we help them understand that what you give your time to is what you become?
Choices
The truth is if you don’t make intentional decisions about what you spend your time doing, someone else will make that decision for you. As adults, we must internalize this lesson before imparting it to our children. Here are practical steps to aid in this endeavour:
- Make a List
I do this with my students; I ask them to make a to-do list. This list should include all they need to do. For older kids, you could include goals over time.
- Complete math homework assignments.
- Read a chapter of a book for school or pleasure
- Practice spelling words or vocabulary.
- Work on a science project or experiment.
- Write a paragraph or short essay on a given topic……
2. Curate Notifications
Teach children to take charge of their digital realm by discerning essential from non-essential notifications. This could involve encouraging them to toggle off notifications from gaming apps or social media platforms during study hours and retaining only those that serve their priorities, such as family communications or educational reminders. There are digital strategies like apps that you could use. Some are automated, and some aren’t. Examples are the Rize app and Forest.
The forest app is super fun. You plant a tree, and it keeps growing as long as you don’t fiddle with your phone or use different apps. Avoiding distractions gives you time to focus on something meaningful, like reading a book. You can measure your progress by how many trees you grow in a day.
3. Social Media Literacy
Guide children in navigating social media with intentionality. Emphasize its potential as a tool for connection rather than a sole source of information. Encourage critical thinking by discussing the curated nature of social media content and the importance of seeking diverse perspectives beyond its confines.
I personally don’t think kids should be on social media scrolling mindlessly. It not only affects their attention span but also exposes them to a lot. We cannot shield them forever, but we can guide them till they are able to distinguish between negative and positive, relevant and irrelevant information.
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert.
4. Pursuit of Knowledge
Instill a thirst for knowledge, which involves actively seeking and processing information instead of mere information consumption. Help children discern between passive scrolling, where they are simply consuming information, and intentional learning, where they actively engage with and understand the information. Foster a culture of curiosity by exposing them to enriching experiences such as reading books, engaging with educational content, and pursuing hobbies that stimulate intellectual growth. You could start with simple things like building Legos, learning chess, reading, or storytelling.
Shaping Thought and Action
As guardians of young minds, we recognize the profound impact of focus on thought and action. By nurturing mindful attention, we don’t just guide children, we empower them to sculpt their realities. William James’ insight underscores this transformative potential, reminding us that thoughts shape perception and, in turn, reality.
“Thoughts become perception, perception becomes reality. Alter your thoughts, alter your reality.”
Cultivating Productivity
In fostering a culture of meaningful attention, productivity naturally flourishes. By guiding children to discern value in their pursuits, they learn to allocate their time and energy judiciously. Encourage them to ask the pivotal questions: “Is this worth my attention? Will this enrich my life?” Through such introspection, they chart a course towards purposeful engagement with the world.
‘The greatest gift you can give someone is the gift of your attention.’ — Jim Rohn.
This quote underscores the importance of attention in our relationships and interactions, highlighting its value in our lives and the lives of others.
“The secret of concentration is the secret of self-discovery. You reach inside yourself to discover your resources and what it takes to match them to the challenge.” — Arnold Palmer.
Conclusion
As parents and educators, we wield power to shape the focus of the next generation. By instilling principles of mindful attention, we equip children with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex digital world. Let us nurture their capacity for discernment, guiding them towards a future where focus is not a fleeting commodity but a deliberate act of empowerment. I encourage you to start implementing these strategies today and see the positive impact they can have on your child’s focus and attention.