A lack of concentration in school can be a problem in some children. A small percentage of children truly have an attention disorder. For the majority of children, however, a lack of concentration can simply be from the foods they eat or other factors.
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Whether you’ve just begun homeschooling or have homeschooled for years, you’ve probably experienced that “throw your hands in the air in frustration” at a child’s lack of concentration. Besides doing your best to use curriculums that are interesting and to lovingly training your child, there are some children who just have a hard time focusing no matter what you do.
Before we talk about natural ways to help your child focus in school, let’s discuss some possible reasons your child may have a hard time concentrating.
ADD/Autism
A small percentage of children do have a true attention disorder. Symptoms can include constant fidgeting, talking excessively, often interrupting others, won’t make eye contact, doesn’t respond to his/her name, etc. If you have lovingly trained your child but still see consistent signs of not being able to concentrate, he may have a true attention problem. These attention disorders can be from exposure to toxins and factors of diet.
Processed Foods and Sugar Intake
Many processed foods contain food dyes and additives that affect the brain and can make a child more easily distracted and hyperactive.
In 1822 Americans consumed an average of 2 teaspoons of sugar a day. The average American today consumes a cup and a half a day! This increase in sugar is seen in the increase of obesity, diabetes, and more! Sugar also has a great influence on behavior and brain function. When large amounts of sugar are consumed {as it is in our day}, the body releases large amounts of insulin. This wreaks havoc on the brain and nervous system which can cause agitation, depression, anger, and anxiety.
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