Not focusing in school. What can I do?

So my DS teacher sent home a note that he hasn't been focusing in school for the past 2 weeks.
It's like of all of sudden she said because he never had any problems before. She wanted to know if anything was happing at home. I am so becauses nothing has changed at home.

The only thing I can think of is that he is excited about his play and xmas coming soon.

I feel so bad. I feel like I am doing something wrong at home. How can I help him to stay focused at school?

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

I would talk to him and ask him if there is anything bothering him, if not then I guess its just the excitement of the holidays like you said.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

We're having a focusing problem in school too, however the school counselor & teacher believe it's a biological thing (ADHD/ADD).

We're having neurological testing done.


eta. your avatar reminded me, I was told that karate can be a great help.

If this is sudden, has his diet changed? sleep patterns? Could be the holidays.

Message edited 12/17/2007 4:20:38 PM.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

If he hasn't had a problem before this, it probably is holiday related. I would see if the problem persists after holiday break and then make an appointment with your school's psychologist for more information. A visit to your Ped wouldn't hurt either to rule out any physical causes for the inattention.

It is not anything you are doing at home, I am sure

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

The karate has been great for him. We did it so he could make friends during the summer and he has exceled in it. He has focus and he really cares about doing well in it. Which is why I was surprised that he wasn't focusing in school anymore. He loves both things. He gets so upset if he has to stay home from school.

I am really thinking that it has to do with the holidays. We are going to move up his bedtime so that he gets more sleep hoping that this helps too. Last night I know he didn't get a good sleep in because his night light went out in the middle of the night and he was scared to sleep in his room and had to sleep with us.



Thanks ladies. Im off to have a sit down with him and DH.

Message edited 12/17/2007 4:39:12 PM.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

I have to say, ALL my students (those with and without attentional issues) have been pretty spacey for the past 2 weeks- because of the holidays.

I;m surprised the teacher even brought it up to you NOW. She should have at least waited until the second week in January to make sure it wasn't the *holiday bug* that's been going around....

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

Honestly as a teacher, if nothing else has changed and he says that nothing is bothering him then I would wait until after the holidays to see passes. I know at this time of year even my students (who are 12) have a hard time staying focused. They have vacationitis. They can only focus on the holidays and vacation. They need the break. If this continues after th e holidays then I would start doing some 'investigative' work as to what is causing this.

Good luck

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

Another teacher here & I full agree w/ the above teachers. My kids have been unusually squirmy, loud for the last 2 weeks. I'd definitely wait a few weeks and see how he is in Jan.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

I'm not a mom, but I remeber in elementary school wehn I got glasses in elementary school, it was because the teacher told my parents I wasnt paying attention as much.

Maybe consider getting his vision checked? Especially if poor eyesight runs in your family.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?

Thanks ladies. After talking to him I really believe that its just the holiday bug.
All through dinner that was all he talked about, what Santa was going to bring him. Would he really fit in the chimney? lol.

I feel better hearing that he isn't the only one who is acting this way. I was starting to pick apart my parenting skills.

Re: Not focusing in school. What can I do?