“They’ve only been sitting for five minutes, and they’re already asking for a drink?”
“They said they wanted to do their homework, but why are they busy playing with an eraser instead?”
Mom and Dad, does this situation sound familiar? Dealing with a child who struggles to focus can really test your patience. It feels like a race; we want them to finish quickly so everyone can rest, but the child feels that studying is a heavy and extremely boring burden.
Relax, you’re not alone. In fact, children’s brains naturally have a limited attention span. Forcing them to study for a full hour without a break will actually make it harder for information to sink in. The solution? Try the Pomodoro technique.
What Is the Pomodoro Technique?
Simply put, Pomodoro is a time management technique that divides study time into short intervals separated by breaks. The name comes from the Italian word for “tomato,” inspired by a tomato-shaped kitchen timer.
For children, the formula is very simple:
Why This Technique Works
- Children feel less burdened because they know studying won’t last forever. They only need to focus for 25 minutes before getting a short break.
- Prevents mental fatigue, as short breaks help the brain “refresh” so learning absorption remains optimal.
- Builds discipline by teaching children to respect time and focus on one task until the timer rings.
How to Start at Home
- Prepare a Timer
Use an alarm clock or a phone timer. Let the child see the remaining time so they learn about duration. - Set Small Targets
Don’t say, “Finish all your homework.” Say, “In these 25 minutes, let’s finish 5 math problems.” - Quality Breaks
During the 5-minute break, avoid gadgets. Invite the child to stretch, drink water, or simply hug the family cat. - Repeat
After 4 cycles, give them a longer break (15–30 minutes).
Applying Pomodoro does require consistency. However, if Mom and Dad feel overwhelmed accompanying your child’s daily study because of a busy schedule or increasingly difficult school material, we’re here to help!
At Hone Zone, we adopt interactive learning methods tailored to children’s developmental psychology. Our mentors don’t just teach the material, but also help build effective study habits so children no longer see learning as a burden.
Let’s provide the best guidance for your child’s future. Check out our class program options here.