Little lessons in self-control will set our children on a path that leads to responsibility, in­tegrity, self‑government, and self-esteem. Another important reason why when it comes to teaching our children we need to think big but start small. 

Concentration

From her observation of early 20^th century Italian slum children absorbed in manipulating bread crumbs, Maria Montessori concluded that the drive to learn was so intrinsic - and so strong - that children would learn to focus on anything in order to fulfill their potential.

In our culture, kids are less likely to suffer from a lack than from an overabundance of claims on their attention.  Their visual fare is crowded with swiftly-shifting images, requiring little sustained focus. 

Now think of what’s required for kids in high school to master complex math or produce term papers.  Consider work adults are called to do in many different fields – from surveying boundaries to following a recipe to flying a plane.  What’s required?  Concentration. 

In our modern urgency to make our kids smart, we are going about it all the wrong way.  Though we surround our children with educational programs and materials, ironically the very richness of their environments may make it more difficult for them to learn to concentrate.

Here’s how you can help:

Observe your child.  Notice what activities she sticks with and let her know how happy you are when she’s completely involved in a particular task.   Encourage her to stick with a task until it’s completed.

Offer choices.  Your child is more likely to focus on an activity she prefers, so let her choose.

Model concentration.  When you work on a puzzle together, e.g., exaggerate your own focus.

Encourage repetition.  When your child completes something, before putting it away and moving on to something else, ask, "Would you like to do it again?"

Keep in mind that it’s better for a child to spend a half hour concentrating on one activity than to spend ten minutes here and ten minutes there.  If you are not seeing the concentration you would like to see in your child, keep trying materials until something clicks.

Feeling challenged?  When I feel that way, I remember what Elisabeth Elliot says: “Do the next thing.”  Just remember, God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips those He’s called.   And as surely as He’s called you, He will see you through.  Even as you are conscientiously working to help your children realize their God-given potentials, He is helping you reach yours. 

Barbara Curtis

Barbara is a popular speaker at MOPS and women's events, as well as writers' conferences.  Online you can find her at MommyLife and Mommy, Teach Me!.