Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Help me out...

I have a child that tends to have a hard time paying attention. Anyone out there with the same issue??? It seems to be a problem with school work, eating, spilling, falling, tripping, not cleaning up, forgetting things, not remembering what was taught the day before...the list goes on. I feel like I am always saying, "pay attention". Any ideas on how to help a child pay attention?

11 comments:

Annie said...

Wow. Sounds like me. I really understand the absent-minded professors of the world. I once went to church, and left my keys in the car - and the car running!

I do much better (at least in terms of paying attention) with a lot of structure imposed from outside. [I KNEW I should have been a nun!]

Sit here. Do this for ten minutes. Write that for ten minutes. With bells ringing and so forth as reminders. If I had THAT at my work, I'd get a LOT more done. Here, too.... See, I should be making sandwiches for lunch but was distracted by the computer.........

Seriously, it is something you might try. I bet her mind is just heading off in other directions. I once took a personality test and I recall that one of the little quotes by someone with this personality was: No, I don't remember doing it because I wasn't there when I did it!

She leaves stuff out probably because she is already onto the next thing in her mind.

Rachael said...

I have thing same problem with one of my children! If you figure it out, please let me know!

Leisa said...

Is it new? I have a dreamer also, that constantly is saying, oops, sorry I didn't mean to... I think it gets worse closer to puberty! And they get really sensitive about their clutziness. If they would just think a little about the consequence..~sigh~

Let me know if you get it figured out...

5Gustos said...

We're working on it here, too. I don't really have any wisdom for you. I'm just hoping he outgrows it. And I keep praying for patience for myself. Maybe that's what it's for: so his mother can grow.

Tim and Susan said...

Hey, we all have our days. I have 2 little kiddos that tend to day-dream and kind of be in their own world and slow to get on boar with what needs to be done. It's hard to be patient since I am so action-driven. Glad the heart med. helped today??

Cheryl said...

I wonder the same thing... maybe the test is mine, not his! Mine is 16 now and still forgetful. When he was younger he'd drive me crazy because he'd be talking to me in complicated terms (things he'd read in his science research, which he has always done on his own) I had no clue of, with his pants on backwards! And his spelling and writing? Awful (though it is getting better slowly as he gets older)! He just doesn't seem to care about certain things. The whole family calls him the absent minded professor. I try to relate it to him in terms of family, stressing how important it is to the family for him to be more conscious of this or that, it sometimes helps. The only hopeful sign at this point is when it REALLY matters to him, he gets it and works at that particular thing. They say my sister-in-law was the same way and she's an awesome PA who is very diagnostically skilled (hope that makes sense).

crispy said...

I ended up giving Tis her heart medication and that made a big difference. She was more alert and attentive and had loads of energy and seemed to concentrate more. I guess having that blood flowing a little faster makes a pretty big difference.

Rachel said...

Hey friend...

I miss you. Haven't been visiting the blog world this week as I have been super busy at work. I love the mall hunt post! You rock!!

As far as "pay attention" goes...two of the most used words in my vocabulary! Especially with my sweet Mad. I have just begun reading Lisa Wechel's (sp) book and have heard there are many creative parenting tips inside. I'll let you know if I find anything "share worthy"

Tim and Susan said...

I am always saying "Focus!" to my rowdy, playful little guys.

Anonymous said...

I have two like this... and no advice. I am at a loss!

Major Mom said...

I'm reading the suggestions...I have 2 of those kinds of kiddos...