From the Head of Learning and Teaching

The Power of Attention: Helping MLC School Girls Thrive in a Distracted World

Has your daughter’s teacher mentioned she needs to improve her attentiveness in class? You’re not alone. Many parents and educators are noticing how difficult it has become for young people to focus in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world.

Learning begins with attention. As cognitive scientist Stanislas Dehaene reminds us, we cannot learn what we do not attend to. Attention is the gateway to memory, understanding, and creativity. Without it, even the most engaging lesson becomes background noise.

Yet attention is under siege. In Stolen Focus, journalist Johann Hari explores how technology, stress, and environmental overload are undermining our capacity to focus—especially for young people. Daniel Goleman, in Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, argues that managing one’s attention is now as important as traditional academic skills for long-term success and wellbeing.

It’s also important to acknowledge that attention challenges can be more than just situational. For neurodiverse girls, particularly those with ADHD, the struggle to maintain attention may be rooted in neurological differences—not a lack of effort or motivation. These students often work twice as hard to stay on task, and their needs are best supported with empathy, structure, and tailored strategies rather than pressure to conform to “normal” attention spans.

Supporting Attention at Home: Strategies for All Learners

Here are some ways parents can help nurture and support their daughter’s attention—whether she’s simply feeling scattered or managing ongoing attention difficulties:

Reduce Cognitive Overload

Create a calm, uncluttered space where your daughter can work. Reduce background noise, limit open tabs or apps, and break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

Encourage Single-Tasking

Multitasking feels productive but weakens attention and learning. Encourage her to do one thing at a time: reading without checking messages, or writing without music with lyrics. Use timers to structure focus periods (e.g., 25 minutes on, five minutes off).

Teach Her About Attention

Explain that attention is a skill that can be built, not something you either have or don’t. Share with her what scientists like Dehaene have found—that attention shapes how our brains process and store information. Knowing this can empower her to take control of her learning.

Use Movement and Mindfulness

Encourage your daughter to take regular breaks, go outside, or use gentle movement between tasks. Mindfulness practices—like deep breathing or a few moments of quiet—can help her “reset” and become more present.

Co-Create Focus Routines

Involve her in designing a system that works. What time of day is she most focused? What helps her get started? A shared plan builds agency and signals that attention isn’t about discipline—it’s about finding what works for her brain.

For ADHD and Neurodiverse Learners: Personalised Strategies

If your daughter has ADHD or another diagnosis, consider tools such as visual schedules, movement breaks, noise-canceling headphones, or assistive technologies. Positive reinforcement, short goal cycles, and collaborative problem-solving often work better than punitive approaches.

Establish a Nightly Sustained Reading Routine

Encourage a nightly reading routine to help your daughter wind down and focus. Sustained reading not only improves attention but also enhances comprehension and critical thinking skills. Choose books that interest her and set aside a specific time each evening for reading. This routine can become a calming and enjoyable part of her day, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

As Stanislas Dehaene reminds us, the brain is built for learning—but it must be engaged with intention and focus. At MLC School, we are committed to nurturing these essential skills, ensuring our girls are equipped to thrive in both their academic pursuits and their personal lives.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching