86 EF Series: Attention Struggles Aren’t Always ADHD

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.comSupport Circle Membership: https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/ Intake Form: https://andiclark.com/assess-emotions/Long Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharingIn This Episode We Will Dive into:How does attention—or the lack of it—affect your child’s daily life? Whether it's zoning out in class, struggling to finish multi-step tasks, or morning chaos trying to get out the door, attention plays a pivotal role in your child's executive functioning and emotional regulation. And it doesn’t just affect kids—many adults wrestle with attention challenges too.In this episode, Andi dives deep into attention as a foundational executive functioning skill. She explains why attention isn't about sustaining focus for long periods but about the critical ability to refocus when distracted. Using real-life examples, Andi shares insights into how attention struggles show up, why skipping steps on the "cognitive ladder" leads to frustration, and how small, actionable strategies can create big shifts for both kids and parents.Intake Questions for AttentionNeeds directions repeated multiple times to follow them.Completes the first part of multi-step directions but misses later steps.Struggles to pay attention during class or conversations, especially if the topic isn’t interesting.Frequently zones out when instructions are being given.Has difficulty refocusing after getting distracted, often losing track of the task.Struggles to stay focused on tasks for long periods, even if it’s an enjoyable activity.Finds it challenging to maintain focus on multi-step tasks like homework or chores.Gets distracted by their own thoughts or daydreams, even when they should be listening or working.Has difficulty sustaining attention on people such as parents, teachers, coaches, or siblings.Often seems “in their own world,” not focused on the current task.Frequently asks, “What did you say?” or needs instructions clarified after they’ve been given.Often asks, “When will this be over?” or “When are we going to be done?”Tends to hyper-focus on sounds (e.g., chewing, tapping) that stress them out and distract from the main focus.Easily distracted by external noises or movements when they need to concentrate.Frequently hyper-focuses on one activity, making it difficult to shift attention elsewhere.Often misses important details by focusing too much on smaller aspects or specific details.Has difficulty following conversations with multiple speakers or background noise present.What You'll Learn in This Episode:The true definition of attention and why it’s not just about “staying focused.”How attention struggles impact daily life—at home, in school, and beyond.The connection between attention and executive functioning skills like planning, time management, and self-regulation.Why skipping foundational steps leads to failure and frustration for kids and adults alike.Practical strategies to help kids (and yourself!) build the skill of refocusing through targeted activities and compassionate support.Key Moments:[00:02:00] - The "Executive Functioning Orchestra" analogy: how attention fits into the bigger picture of emotional and cognitive regulation.[00:10:00] - Breaking down the "cognitive ladder" and why starting with foundational skills is critical.[00:36:00] - A powerful exercise to help parents understand and practice the skill of refocusing.[00:43:00] - Introducing the flashlight metaphor: how to teach kids to guide their thoughts back to focus.[00:45:00] - Why attention is the building block for decision-making, planning, and thriving in life.Resources Mentioned:Support Circle Membership: Join Andi's monthly membership for frameworks, strategies, and a supportive community of parents. Learn more and sign up at  https://andiclark.com/work-with-me/ Intake Form for Executive Functioning Skills: Access the form to better understand where your child may need support. https://andiclark.com/assess-emotions/Long Form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hZqpIgPgFXB_V8_1NGsiClJ6O2GAHb5jXdJNzSxg-yY/edit?usp=sharingStay tuned for the next episode #87, focusing on Verbal Working Memory—a key skill for holding and using information effectively.By the end of this episode, you'll not only have a deeper understanding of attention struggles but also actionable steps to help your child (or yourself) succeed in a compassionate, practical way.Let’s make attention a stepping stone, not a stumbling block!Subscribe to the Kids with Big Emotions podcast and share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights.