We Don’t All Sit Still
by Were you told to sit still and pay attention as a child? Did that work for you, or did you find problems concentrating?
Start Fidgeting and Pay Attention
When I Sit Still My Mind Goes Blank
As a child I constantly heard “Stop fidgeting and pay attention.” As if one cannot pay attention, if they fidget. Where is it written that one must sit perfectly still in order to concentrate? I found that once I forced myself to sit still, my mind went blank or I would find myself daydreaming.
But still because it had been so ingrained in me and I had the misconception that fidgeting distracts one’s focus, I insisted my children sit still and pay attention. When attending college, I would write extensive notes while listening. This way I gave the appearance of sitting still and could still pay attention, because my hands were busy.
What a Relief
Coming across this book helps me in knowing that I am not alone, nor is my son who is diagnosed with ADHD. I sincerely believe that I have an attention deficit, as I am constantly distracted. Staying on task can be draining, and I have a habit of taking multi tasking to new heights. On the rare occasion that I sit down and watch a television show, I must find things to occupy my mind simultaneously, such as knitting and mending. This
works fine during the show, but during commercials I am putting away laundry, doing crossword puzzles, running back and forth into the kitchen to wash the dishes, or any number of other tasks. It drives my husband crazy, but if I do not stay occupied, it drives me crazy. I hate going on long trips without a book, crocheting, or a writing tablet, and he feels he must exert his influence to stop my busy work. He says things like “Why can’t you just relax and enjoy yourself?” Being busy is enjoyable, and relaxing.
Do You Chew Gum When Taking a Test?
In a book review found at Attitude Magazine I find reassuring words such as:
“Do your kids swear that listening to music helps them focus when working on homework assignments? Do they score higher on tests is they’re allowed to chew gum? And how about you? Are you the kind of person who can either sit still or focus, but can’t do both at the same time?”
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Post CommentIcyCucky
On April 6, 2008 at 6:32 am
I think on some levels, we all have ADD, because we are racing with the little time we have…
Great article, Judy.
Judy Sheldon
On April 6, 2008 at 8:31 am
Thank you, Icy. You are right – there is so much to do and so little time to do it in. (And so little money to do it with, too. lol)
Alexa Gates
On April 6, 2008 at 8:36 am
I agree with Icy, Sometimes if you sit still all of your life you end up like my grandpa and can’t walk…
Judy Sheldon
On April 6, 2008 at 10:16 am
I always say “use it or lose it”. Thanks, Alexa for the comment. I hope your grandpa feels better. He may need a hip or knee replacement.?
Anne Lyken-Garner
On April 6, 2008 at 11:08 am
This is indeed a superb article. I learned a lot from reading this. I can sit still but my mind races. I have nevertheless, a thing about doing nothing, as I feel guilty about being unproductive, this is why I never watch soaps or any day time TV. I know that in order to be a balanced,happy person I should take time out to smell the roses, so I do exactly that when I’m gardening. (Though some may argue that gardening is not exactly doing nothing…)
I loved this article.
Judy Sheldon
On April 6, 2008 at 2:35 pm
But, Anne, if you enjoy gardening, aren’t you achieving two goals?
I try to explain that to my husband. I need to accomplish something in order to feel fulfilled, and I need to multi-task in order to concentrate. It is good that you enjoy gardening. Why should all tasks be dull, tedious, and boring?
Ruby Hawk
On April 6, 2008 at 4:33 pm
You know I have wondered if I might have ADD. I am always busy and I cannot sit still. I am always dong two or three things at once. I have a grandson who definitly has it. It’s hard for me to sleep at night because my mind races on. Oh well, I had rather be this than a couch potato.
Judy Sheldon
On April 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Ruby, it may be more common than we think. Thank you for reading and commenting.
nobert soloria bermosa
On April 7, 2008 at 6:57 am
great article Judy, i guess most writers have ADD,it seems like everybody’s experiencing (or have observed at least)the same thing as you do….and so do i,
Judy Sheldon
On April 7, 2008 at 7:59 am
It is good to know that I am not alone. Thank you & take care, Nobert.
CHAN LEE PENG
On April 7, 2008 at 9:58 am
Thanks for sharing this info. Take care!
JudySheldon
On April 7, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Chan, your support is appreciated.
valli
On April 8, 2008 at 12:38 am
Great article, Judy.
Judy Sheldon
On April 8, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Valli, your comment is appreciated. Thank you & take care.
Francie
On April 20, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Wonderful article, very insightful and pertinent. I am for sure a fidgeter! My ADD causes me a hardship when it comes to finishing projects, I have a ton of things going on at one time, it’s exhausting =) One of my children studies best by moving from room to room while studying for a test. Sitting still and listening for any length of time causes him much stress. He learns best in spurts and needs a pretty quiet environment to do his best.
It’s all a learning process, if we know what works best for us we hopefully can make the changes that need to happen in our personal lives. I was so pleased to see your article and now have another resource to turn to…Fidget to Focus, I cannot wait to get my hands on this book!
Thanks for your article!!!
Francie
Judy Sheldon
On April 21, 2008 at 8:06 am
I believe that there are many different learning styles and what is ideal for one is totally useless for another. I was so grateful when I was able to find a school that agreed with me, and place my son in a better learning environment for him. Many schools refuse to adapt, and make it difficult for some students.
Thank you, Francie, for reading and supporting. Good luck with the issue, there is also listed in the article a wonderful site with lots of support.
Take care.
quiet voice
On April 25, 2008 at 9:58 pm
….we all do what it takes, to get
us through the night. Me, channel
surfing is my non-ending habit, it’s
fun. Excellent article. Take care,
we are all in this together.
Judy Sheldon
On April 25, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Quiet Voice, My husband will not relinquish the remote, so I have to find other “toys”. lol Thank you for reading and commenting.
dj
On August 12, 2008 at 2:17 am
Thanks for taking the time to post this article. I have found it very relieving to know this is such a common concern. I have a very quiet well mannered and well behaved son, but he cannot help but fidget when he is learning. His teachers do not know how to help him and yet he is the quietest in the class but his fidgeting either annoys them and or others around him. We have decided to temporarily put him in home-schooling until we can help him to achieve new methods to deal with this issue.
Judy Sheldon
On August 12, 2008 at 9:01 am
DJ, there’s hope out there. I was finally able to find a school that geared the teaching to the student and not just the curriculm. It made a world of difference for my son. Then I got to experience something that was totally awesome – we attended the university together. It really makes one proud to watch the son that struggled with homework stand in front of the class and perform well with an oral presentation. We all learn different.
Take care and God bless.
Ruby G.
On February 17, 2009 at 12:18 am
Wow Mom, you realy seem to have a fanbase on here….great job. I’m proud of you. Love your Daughter
Judy Sheldon
On February 17, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Ruby, thanks, dear daughter, for checking in on your mom, but just to let you know, I am more their fan than they are mine.
Take care, G♥d bless and get an “A”!