Why Your Child’s Attention Worsens in Spring (And What to Do About It)
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, many parents notice that their child’s ability to focus seems to plummet. This seasonal shift can be especially challenging for children with ADHD, who may struggle even more with distractions, impulsivity, and restlessness in the spring. But why does this happen, and what can parents do to help their child stay on track? Let’s explore the science behind springtime attention difficulties and practical strategies to support your child.
Why Do Kids Struggle More With Focus in the Spring?
1. Increased Daylight and Sleep Disruptions
Spring brings longer days, which can interfere with a child’s sleep patterns. Research has shown that even minor disruptions to sleep can significantly impact attention and cognitive function, particularly in children with ADHD. The shift to daylight saving time can further complicate sleep schedules, leading to increased daytime drowsiness and decreased ability to focus.
2. More Outdoor Distractions
Warmer weather and blooming nature mean more opportunities for outdoor play, which is great for physical and mental health but can also make it harder for kids to stay engaged in schoolwork. Children with ADHD often struggle with impulse control, making it difficult to resist the lure of outdoor activities when they should be focusing on tasks inside.
Read More: How Hyperactivity & Cognitive Skills Are Connected >>
3. Allergies and Their Cognitive Impact
Seasonal allergies don’t just cause sneezing and congestion; they can also affect cognitive function. Research suggests that allergic reactions can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and irritability, all of which can impair focus and attention. Some allergy medications also have side effects like drowsiness, further exacerbating concentration difficulties.
4. End-of-School-Year Fatigue
By spring, kids have been in school for months, and mental fatigue starts to set in. The novelty of new lessons has worn off, and the anticipation of summer break can make it harder to stay motivated. Children with ADHD, who already struggle with sustained attention, may find this lack of novelty particularly challenging.
What Can You Do to Help Attention?
Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
- Gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up routines to account for longer daylight hours.
- Reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
- Use blackout curtains if necessary to create a dark sleeping environment.
Incorporate More Movement Breaks
- Allow frequent, structured, intense movement breaks throughout homework time.
- Encourage outdoor play or sports participation before or after school to help burn off excess energy.
- Use active learning strategies, such as standing desks or fidget tools, to help kids stay engaged.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
- Use a visual schedule to help kids break down assignments into manageable chunks.
- Set timers for focused work periods followed by short breaks.
- Use rewards and positive reinforcement to keep motivation high.
Read more: 5 Ways to Help Kids with ADHD Focus Better >>
Strengthen Cognitive Skills
If your child consistently struggles with focus, cognitive skills training can help. At LearningRx, we use brain training programs to strengthen attention, processing speed, and working memory—key skills that support focus in all contexts. Research has shown that targeted cognitive training can lead to lasting improvements in attention and executive function, helping kids stay on track even when spring distractions are at their peak.
Did you know… for most kids with ADHD, attention is not the weakest skill (but rather a symptom of other underlying cognitive weaknesses)? Read more >>
If you’re looking for a lasting solution to attention struggles, consider LearningRx. Our brain training programs target the root causes of attention difficulties, helping kids develop the cognitive skills they need to thrive.
