Q: My son has started first grade this year, and he’s been having a terrible time. His teacher has a system of warnings that they get and then they have to stay inside for recess. He’s already had to stay in for recess now a couple times, which I really think just makes things worse. He’s not a bad kid, he just has a difficult time concentrating I think. Is there anything you’d recommend? I feel horrible about this whole situation.
A: Transitioning from kindergarten to first grade is a huge step, and many children, particularly boys, have a difficult time. As a young child (or person of any age!), sitting in a desk all day can be really hard. I wonder if you might be able to speak to his teacher about the punishments in her class, since staying in for recess seems like the last thing that a child who has trouble paying attention needs. Free play and being outdoors has been shown to increase concentration and behavior in the classroom, which is exactly the goal you’re looking for.
There are a number of supplements which have been shown to help with brain function and concentration in children. The first I’d recommend is omega 3 fish oil. The body cannot manufacture omega 3 fatty acids, and fatty acids which are essential to the body and play a large role in brain function, so if a child isn’t eating fatty fish multiple times a week (and few are), it is likely they’re deficient in those nutrients. Omega 3 fatty acids have been studied extensively for their role in proper brain functioning, and are safe and beneficial for people of all ages.
Omega 3 fish oil can aid in concentration as well as helping with improving learning and behavior. Science Daily has reported on a recent study which found, “From a sample of nearly 500 schoolchildren, we found that levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood significantly predicted a child's behavior and ability to learn. Higher levels of Omega-3 in the blood, and DHA in particular, were associated with better reading and memory, as well as with fewer behavior problems as rated by parents and teachers.”
Correcting an omega 3 deficiency can go a long way in improving school performance in children, especially for kids who are having a difficult time. There have even been positive results for children suffering from ADD/ADHD and autism as well.
I have personally had a number of our customers have very impressive results with omega 3s for their children. I remember one woman who came back in tears because she was so happy with the change in her daughter’s behavior after taking fish oils. She said it was like night and day. I won’t try to suggest that that is a typical response, though I do truly believe that fish oil does make a difference for the brain functioning, especially in children.
Most parents can’t picture their children being willing to take a fish oil, though we do have several great, non fishy tasting omega 3 supplements. The one I would most recommend is Barlean’s Omega Swirl. It comes in a variety of flavors- my daughter likes the lemon best- and it’s made in a way that it has a creamy consistency, rather than an oil, similar to yogurt or custard. I don’t tell her its fish oil, just a “liquid vitamin”, but she absolutely loves the taste, and would literally drink the whole bottle if I let her.
Theanine is another supplement that might be helpful, since it helps with both reducing stress and anxiety as well as increasing focus. It’s safe for both kids and adults, and many people have found it to help themselves to feel more calm and focused vs. feeling scatterbrained. Theanine is derived from green tea and is very safe to take and is available in both gummies or capsules.