Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Distraction

By Raising Children Network
 
 

Sometimes it’s possible to divert a young child’s interest and attention to avoid situations that might cause distress or result in difficult behaviour.

 

Distraction is a strategy that comes naturally to parents. Pointing out something interesting, starting a simple game, pulling funny faces – parents come up with a million tricks to distract a young child who is getting grizzly or bored. Distraction usually works, and it’s a great option for parents in many situations.

Tips for distracting

  • Distracting can be as simple as giving your child something else to do. Introduce a new activity, toy or game, or even show your child something new he can do with the toy he has.
  • You can distract by changing the scene – positioning your child so he can see different things, or moving him to a new spot, can be an effective way of distracting very young children.
  • Distraction can be a great way of protecting children from dangerous objects.
  • For older children, you might change the topic of conversation, introduce a simple game or activity, or simply suggest something else they could do when you can see that things are beginning to deteriorate. For example, you could say, ‘Oh-oh, looks like that game is making you mad. What about going outside and having a ride on your bike?’
  • It helps to think ahead. Have a few ideas for fun activities and carry with you some attractive and fun toys that you can pull out when you need them.
There is an important thing to remember about using distraction: if you regularly offer your child a favourite or rewarding activity after he has hurt someone or thrown a tantrum, you could inadvertently reward that behaviour. Distraction is best used when you can see that your child might be about to do something wrong, but before he actually does it.
 
  • Last reviewed15-05-2006