Set up a routine for your child, allotting time for meals, schoolwork, after-school activities, entertainment and bedtime so your child knows what to expect. Make sure your child receives adequate nutrition and sleep to improve his ability to focus.
Help your child to select a place for doing homework that feels right or special to the child, suggests the University of Illinois Extension. Make sure the area has adequate lighting, minimal distractions and comfortable temperature.
Place a desk or table and chair with all the necessary supplies she needs to do her homework, such as pens, paper, glue, scissors and color markers, to avoid the distraction of finding items during scheduled homework time.
Determine a study period and scheduled breaks suitable for the child, such as 20 minutes study with five-minute break for younger children and up to 50 minutes to study with 10-minute breaks for older children. Observe your child and adjust times to accommodate her ability to focus. Guide younger children in stretches, exercise or snacks to help structure break times.
Discuss your child's learning style with his teachers or consider getting a professional evaluation. Help your child focus on homework by using his learning style whenever possible -- for example, reading aloud for auditory learners or using flashcards and visual cues for children with stronger visual learning abilities.
Ask your child about her assignments and create a homework chart with assignments and due dates. Require the child to check off assignments when she finishes them to help her focus on completing work. Start with interesting, easy homework for a child who procrastinates, suggests Washington State's GEAR UP program. However, start with difficult homework if the topic interests your child.
Turn off the television during study time, advises the Utah Career Resource Network. Have your child stop using cell phones, music players, Internet social networks and gaming devices during homework to avoid distractions.
Help your child prepare by getting ready before sitting down to study, suggests the University of Illinois Extension. Improve your child's focus during homework by having him go to the bathroom, get a drink, do a relaxation exercise or simply take deep breaths before starting.
Participate in your child's homework by helping with flashcards, practice tests and checking over his work to give the study time variety and to improve his focus.
Help your child break boring or difficult homework into small sections with more breaks to improve concentration. Establish rewards for completion of difficult projects, such as extra television or game-playing time, to help motivate your child to focus longer.
Schedule occasional study times with a friend for socially motivated children. Reward the children with play or game time for completing work quickly.