ADHDKC Parent Group with Bronson Ko: Focus Is a Skill That Can Be Built!
What if we stopped telling kids with ADHD to "just focus" and started teaching them how?
Our November 10th ADHDKC Parent Group featured a fantastic presentation by Master Bronson Ko of KOMA Martial Arts, who shared practical strategies for helping children build focus, confidence, and self-management skills.
Master Ko shared insights from years of working with children, including many with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent learning styles.
His central message was one worth remembering:
Focus is a skill. Skills can be built.
Rather than expecting children to arrive ready to focus, we can create environments and opportunities that help them develop that ability over time.
Some of the practical takeaways include:
Meet kids where they are. Set goals just one small step beyond what they can do today.
Break big tasks into smaller steps. One instruction at a time is often much more effective than a long list of directions.
Redirect energy instead of suppressing it. The goal is learning and completing the task, not necessarily sitting still.
Ask instead of tell. Giving children choices and involving them in decisions can increase motivation and cooperation.
Notice and praise progress. Catch the little wins instead of focusing only on what still needs improvement.
Let kids struggle safely. They need opportunities to practice, make mistakes, and try again to build independence.
Stay calm. Our emotional regulation can help support theirs.
He also shared what parents should look for when choosing extracurricular activities, sports, or other learning environments for neurodivergent children.
One of our favorite reminders from the evening was to pick just one strategy to start using this week. Small changes, practiced consistently, can add up to meaningful growth.
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