Dealing With An ADHD Child?
October 18th 2011 14:11
If you are a parent or teacher dealing with a child living with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you know all about the frustration, sometimes despair and urge to help the child diagnosed with ADHD! No matter how much you love the child, you may be drained at the end of the day. It often seems as though there is no end to all the endless arguments and ceaseless hostility. You also know that there is no cure for this condition, only managing the child and the ADHD effects on the child. That said, there are certain ways to ease the effects of the condition and attributes to the wellbeing of all parties..
The over-all health of the child is of the utmost importance. Before relying solely on medication with negative side-effects, invest in natural and structured means of dealing with an ADHD child.
Diet
Sugar: The intake of sugar, and yes, even artificial sugar, should be avoided as it adds to the negative effects of ADHD. It is healthier not to introduce a baby or small child to sugar or artificial sweeteners. It is bad for the development of healthy teeth and will stimulate any child already coping with hyperactivity.
Food additives : Research done by McCann et al.’s in 2007, showed that food additives such as sodium benzoate-based preservatives and artificial colors found in snacks and cool drinks, drastically increased hyperactivity. We experienced this in our own son and soon learned that Rooibostee without sugar or milk, was the answer for hot and cold drinks. We had to avoid any products with MSG - Mono Sodium Glutenate – as it also increases the hyperactivity. This implies careful reading of ingredients in broceries and snacks.
Better Neural Coordination: This problem in ADHD children, and for that matter everyone, can be bettered by the intake of Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and micronutrients to help improve these brain functions. Unfortunately our fresh vegetables and fruit has lost much of these natural elements.
Lifestyle: Exercise, sleep and discipline largely improve ADHD behaviour. Exercise, at the right time – not for at least two hours before bed time - helps the child rid him/herself from too much energy. Enough sleep ensures that the child’s body and brain get ample rest and relaxation. A tight routine and discipline results in the child experiencing overall security. We all know all the clever excuses a child can offer just before bath or bed time, be strict and consequent.
Relaxed and Calm Bed Time: Be aware of the factors that have a calming effect on the child. Don’t allow unnecessary physical activity a hour or so before bed time. Don’t under estimate the effect of music to calm the brain and body. Study the Child’s reactions to different types of music and play music that calms the child, softly on the back ground of the bedroom. Don’t read action stories about ugly beasts, fighting or busy pictures, rather read soothing stories so the child can fall asleep peacefully.
Attention should also be given to the paint, decorations and placement of furniture in a child’s room. If there is little light coming from a passage, or a street light, it may throw shadows that may scare the child as he/she sees it as some threatening object.
All the above mentioned is useless if the child feels that he/she is not accepted and loved by family and teachers. Find a support group in your area. If there is none, start one yourself. Talking to other people who are experiencing the same difficulties you are, makes it easier to cope. You may be surprised by all the ideas, tips and support such a group can offer you.
The over-all health of the child is of the utmost importance. Before relying solely on medication with negative side-effects, invest in natural and structured means of dealing with an ADHD child.
Diet
Sugar: The intake of sugar, and yes, even artificial sugar, should be avoided as it adds to the negative effects of ADHD. It is healthier not to introduce a baby or small child to sugar or artificial sweeteners. It is bad for the development of healthy teeth and will stimulate any child already coping with hyperactivity.
Food additives : Research done by McCann et al.’s in 2007, showed that food additives such as sodium benzoate-based preservatives and artificial colors found in snacks and cool drinks, drastically increased hyperactivity. We experienced this in our own son and soon learned that Rooibostee without sugar or milk, was the answer for hot and cold drinks. We had to avoid any products with MSG - Mono Sodium Glutenate – as it also increases the hyperactivity. This implies careful reading of ingredients in broceries and snacks.
Better Neural Coordination: This problem in ADHD children, and for that matter everyone, can be bettered by the intake of Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and micronutrients to help improve these brain functions. Unfortunately our fresh vegetables and fruit has lost much of these natural elements.
Lifestyle: Exercise, sleep and discipline largely improve ADHD behaviour. Exercise, at the right time – not for at least two hours before bed time - helps the child rid him/herself from too much energy. Enough sleep ensures that the child’s body and brain get ample rest and relaxation. A tight routine and discipline results in the child experiencing overall security. We all know all the clever excuses a child can offer just before bath or bed time, be strict and consequent.
Relaxed and Calm Bed Time: Be aware of the factors that have a calming effect on the child. Don’t allow unnecessary physical activity a hour or so before bed time. Don’t under estimate the effect of music to calm the brain and body. Study the Child’s reactions to different types of music and play music that calms the child, softly on the back ground of the bedroom. Don’t read action stories about ugly beasts, fighting or busy pictures, rather read soothing stories so the child can fall asleep peacefully.
Attention should also be given to the paint, decorations and placement of furniture in a child’s room. If there is little light coming from a passage, or a street light, it may throw shadows that may scare the child as he/she sees it as some threatening object.
All the above mentioned is useless if the child feels that he/she is not accepted and loved by family and teachers. Find a support group in your area. If there is none, start one yourself. Talking to other people who are experiencing the same difficulties you are, makes it easier to cope. You may be surprised by all the ideas, tips and support such a group can offer you.
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