For a long time, absentmindedness has been associated with dreams, imagination and entertainment. Therefore, being absentminded means being distracted, dreamy, contemplative and lost in thoughts. It’s quite the opposite of having both feet on the ground.
Distractions
Absentminded children are just as intelligent as other kids. However, their tendency to get distracted can affect their learning capacities. They quickly lose interest. While their teacher tells them about rivers and oceans, they remain "connected" a few moments, and then their minds wander. They begin to wonder how bridges are built over rivers, or how many whales there are in the ocean. They are next to or in front of the subject, never far away! We must often help them come back to reality. The same thing happens at home. When some people talk to each other, rather than join in on the conversation, they prefer to escape to their secret garden. They pick a word that draws their attention and they go away with it!
Characteristics of absentminded children
- Their gaze is often empty.
- We have to repeat things to them several times.
- They often forget what we told them or what they have to do.
- They are sometimes awkward.
- They are often late for class.
- They often go unnoticed and rarely disturb others.
How to help them?
- Prefer games that stimulate the child's concentration. Start with short games with simple rules and then increase the duration of the game ... and the concentration level required.
- Of course, you can wonder about the child’s sleep. When you're tired, you have more trouble staying focused and your minds may wander more easily.
- Go progressively with the instructions. If you give too many all at once to an absentminded child, they will be confused and forget many of them. Combine two instructions or requests and see if they perform them correctly. Then gradually increase.
- You noticed that your child is absentminded? Bring them back to the « here and now » in a state of concentration on the present. "Do this, here. And I will help you. We'll do it together."
- Give them some tips to help them stay in the present moment when they feel like their mind is about to wander away. For example, if they start getting distracting during class, teach them to ask questions that will force them to stay connected: “What color is my teacher’s shirt?” This simple question can help them stay in the present moment.
Being absentminded is also fun!
Being distracted is not always a bad thing! Look at it this way, they are just being imaginative! And it’s even the core of our inner life and our personal inner self. It’s a precious place where the child can reflect and learn to live with themselves. You must help your child to tame this secret garden while helping them stay in the present and interact with others.
