Are Your Kids Paying Attention?

Have you ever considered the phrase "Paying Attention?"

Interesting that the way this phrase is used equates attention to money. Can you pay attention like you pay money? In one way it is very similar: they are both finite resources. You only have a specific amount of "attention" and you need to choose where to spend it. 

Consider the countless things that surround you at any one time. Close your eyes and listen to the layers of sound, the different scents, and even the textures of things touching your skin. Now open your eyes and see the colors, shapes and movement all around you. It's no wonder the brain shuts out this avalanche of information and focuses on what seems to be most important at the time. 

So, how do you help your kids choose to "pay" their limited attention on scripture study? Here's some tips:

1) Kids learn in different ways. Experiment with different study tools and see what clicks. Try taking notes (or drawing pictures), try letting them just listen (maybe following along, maybe not), try letting them read silently and look for answers, maybe your child needs movement, let her stand or walk as she reads.

2) Ask good questions. We all know that when we have a focused job to do, it forces you to pay attention. Give the kids something to search for in the scriptures while you are reading. (See my book "Small and Simple Keys of Protection" for great questions already designed for your Book of Mormon study.)

3) Take it in small chunks. Don't worry about finishing a chapter. Study a few verses and discuss what you learned. 

4) Offer rewards. Have skittles or goldfish handy for rewards of reading or answering questions, etc.

5) Add in some unexpected sounds, words, or movements and see who notices. Maybe use the above rewards for those who are "paying attention."

6) Add some meditation to your prayer time. You probably already begin scripture study with prayer. Now, just add some time to teach your kids a calming breathing exercise: Close your eyes and take a deep breath to the count of 4. Then exhale to the count of 6. Repeat. Each time pause a moment before inhaling or exhaling. This will help calm the energy and help everyone focus.

The great news is that like everything else, paying attention gets better with practice. Don't worry about doing things perfect and don't worry about the bad days. Just keep moving forward and realize that you are helping to teach your child a lifelong skill: How to "Pay Attention."