My child is daydreaming

He stares out of the window, forgets what you have just said, and takes an hour to get dressed because he is thinking about something else. Your child is often miles away. Daydreaming is normal, but when it becomes overwhelming, it may signal an attention disorder. Here is how to tell the difference. Understanding what lies behind this daydreaming helps you support your child better.

Normal daydreaming

All children daydream. Daydreaming nourishes imagination and creativity. A child who daydreams from time to time has no problem. Some very imaginative children daydream a lot without having a disorder.

The question arises when daydreaming becomes very frequent and interferes with the child’s everyday life.

We look at this point in more detail in Common misconceptions about ADHD.

When it becomes overwhelming

The child zones out during lessons, forgets instructions, does not finish tasks, and takes a very long time to do simple things. His results suffer as a result. He is often aware that he is zoning out, but cannot prevent it.

Teachers often note that he could do better if he were more attentive.

This topic is covered in our page ADHD and concentration in class.

The link with ADD

Overwhelming daydreaming, combined with forgetfulness, disorganisation and difficulty finishing tasks, may suggest ADD, or ADHD with predominantly inattentive presentation. Only a doctor can make this diagnosis.

You will find more details in the article What is ADD.

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Other explanations

Tiredness, lack of sleep, anxiety, sadness, a difficult event or learning difficulties can also make a child seem absent. It is helpful to talk with the child to understand what they are feeling.

The doctor takes all these possibilities into account.

Our article ADHD and anxiety complements this advice.

Helping them day to day

Get their attention before speaking to them, give short instructions, use visual lists, break tasks into steps and plan reminders. These tools reduce repeated reminders and tension.

A visual timer helps them keep track of how much time is passing.

To find out more, see ADHD and organisation.

At school

Seating him near the teacher, away from the window, giving him written instructions and checking that he has understood can help a great deal. These simple adjustments can be put in place quickly.

The article ADHD and seating in class covers this question in detail.

When to seek advice

If daydreaming is very frequent, has lasted for several months and interferes with the child at home and at school, speak to your GP. An assessment can help clarify things.

This point is explained step by step in Signs of ADD in children.