Improving ADHD Symptoms Through Diet and Behavior Management
If you have a child that has been diagnosed with ADHD as I do, you may be dreading the beginning of the upcoming school year. However, I have great hope that the improvements that we saw at the end of last school year will continue into the new school year. It didn’t hurt that he had an awesome teacher who was very committed and understanding. We worked together very well as a team. There must be an open line of communication between the teacher and the parent. I love that in this new era of communication, I was able to converse with my son’s teacher by text message. We did a great deal with my son through diet, vitamin supplements and behavior management. I have gone through great “pains” to avoid medicating my child and possibly affecting his health for years to come.
According to Jennifer Shu, MD, “Studies show that children with healthier diets tend to behave and perform better at school. Chances are these desired effects extend to the home as well.” Hunger surges can also create problems. Children who are hungry are bound to have more difficulty maintaining concentration, are prone to get frustrated more easily and can become more irritable. A small percentage of children with ADHD have sensitivities to certain foods or food additives, such as colorings or preservatives. “Eliminating these substances from the diet may improve the ADHD behaviors; however…be sure to discuss any dietary changes with a physician and/or nutritionist,” says Dr. Shu
When you have a child with ADHD you are parenting a child who has greater demands, needs more involvement, and requires greater patience and understanding by us, the parents. As a general rule, all children respond well to a regular routine but for kids with ADHD, routine is vital. Children with ADHD do best in settings with clear, consistent expectations. Reward good behaviors and provide appropriate consequences for negative behaviors. Sometimes tasks that seem simple to us are very difficult for children with ADHD. Reward hard work and effort, instead of focusing on the outcome. Praise positive behaviors right when you see them. Focus on your child’s strengths and provide him/her with opportunities to do well. It is important to help build his/her self esteem and confidence. Always remember, even though you may feel like you are by yourself, as I did at first, you are not alone. It is often helpful to have a place to go for support and education. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a great source. I have been to the web site! Check out their online communities. Finally, Carve out some “me time.” Dealing with ADHD can be exhausting. It is important for us to take some time to “recharge our batteries.” Here are a few tips that may make parenting your ADHD child a little easier. Take it from someone who knows, they really help.
1. Set Up Clear House Rules
2. Organize Your Home
3. Set Up a Daily Schedule
4. Reward Effort
5. Catch Your Child Being Good
6. Focus on Strengths
7. Get Support
8. Take Time for Yourself
References
ADHD and Diet
http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/Nutrition.htm
Behavior Management and ADHD
http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/parentingtips.htm
According to Jennifer Shu, MD, “Studies show that children with healthier diets tend to behave and perform better at school. Chances are these desired effects extend to the home as well.” Hunger surges can also create problems. Children who are hungry are bound to have more difficulty maintaining concentration, are prone to get frustrated more easily and can become more irritable. A small percentage of children with ADHD have sensitivities to certain foods or food additives, such as colorings or preservatives. “Eliminating these substances from the diet may improve the ADHD behaviors; however…be sure to discuss any dietary changes with a physician and/or nutritionist,” says Dr. Shu
When you have a child with ADHD you are parenting a child who has greater demands, needs more involvement, and requires greater patience and understanding by us, the parents. As a general rule, all children respond well to a regular routine but for kids with ADHD, routine is vital. Children with ADHD do best in settings with clear, consistent expectations. Reward good behaviors and provide appropriate consequences for negative behaviors. Sometimes tasks that seem simple to us are very difficult for children with ADHD. Reward hard work and effort, instead of focusing on the outcome. Praise positive behaviors right when you see them. Focus on your child’s strengths and provide him/her with opportunities to do well. It is important to help build his/her self esteem and confidence. Always remember, even though you may feel like you are by yourself, as I did at first, you are not alone. It is often helpful to have a place to go for support and education. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a great source. I have been to the web site! Check out their online communities. Finally, Carve out some “me time.” Dealing with ADHD can be exhausting. It is important for us to take some time to “recharge our batteries.” Here are a few tips that may make parenting your ADHD child a little easier. Take it from someone who knows, they really help.
1. Set Up Clear House Rules
2. Organize Your Home
3. Set Up a Daily Schedule
4. Reward Effort
5. Catch Your Child Being Good
6. Focus on Strengths
7. Get Support
8. Take Time for Yourself
References
ADHD and Diet
http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/Nutrition.htm
Behavior Management and ADHD
http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/parentingtips.htm
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