focus issue

[Vincentsmom]

I just dropped my soon to be 6 year old off at school, he is not hyper at all. but his teacher told me that she is noticing a focus issue. She said that she has to redirect him several times, and when it comes to independent work he has trouble. He is in karate once a week but could go twice a week, we have changed his diet some, we now only watch 2 to 3 hours of tv a week, he plays on the computer maybe 3 to 4 hours a week.  we read to him, he seems to have no issues with his homework so I am not seeing this issue, we will not medicate so I need some advice on what to possibly do to help him through this.  I am open to anything BUT medication.

[margypops]

You may also want to try a multiple vitamin-mineral supplement with antioxidants ,B Complex and Vit C ,and yes fish oil has been shown to be useful, its a good thing you are not going the medication route .Good Luck

[Vincentsmom]

Thanks Specialmom,
I am going to talk to his karate teacher about bringing him to another class during the week. I will get his busy outside, ya know, you're right fresh air & movement is so great, and I got to thinking about it, we play at the playground nearly everyday after school BUT it's only for 20 minutes or so. I think maybe I'll let him play longer, get a soccer ball, and start going for evening walks with him.  I am also gonna try chamomile tea before bed, and children's fish oil.
I'll keep you posted, thanks again.

[specialmom]

I would suggest lots of physical activity-----  go to parks or out in your back yard and get him moving.  Climb, jump, swing, roll, skip and run.  Have him kick a soccer ball, ride his bike, play in sand and just be active for a portion of every day.  He may be a child that needs more movement in his school day too.  A teacher could do a group movement activity or give movement breaks to your son during the day.  

kindergarten/1st grade is a diffucult time for lots of kids.  It is their first "real" school experience where there are definate expectations of them.  Some kids are more mature developmentally at that age than others.  It sounds like you are very open to helping your son in this situation which is great.  His teacher is comparing him to his peers and telling you that he has a harder time than others.  As you see a problem no where else, it should resolve.

My son has sensory integration disorder which is a delay affecting his nervous system.  He's super smart but sitting still will always be a challenge for him.  He needs to move to stay focased.  He sees an occupational therapist once a week and we do tons of stuff at home (things I mentioned above and lots of others)----  we haven't had any issues in kindergarten thus far.  He's staying focased and doing his work and functioning really well.  So I highly recommend raising the activity level as it is really good for all kids.  Do karate twice a week and get plenty of physical play in as well.  Good luck!