Here are 10 back to school tips for children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms:
1. Make sure that the school day starts with a high protein' , low sugar' breakfast . It is extremely important that the child begin the day with good nutrition. Also, be sure you are packing a healthy high-protein' lunch/snack to help get your child through the day. This will help him/her concentrate better and have less hyper-activity.
2. Organize the school supplies (with the backpack) each night and talk to your child about his/her feelings about school and any anxieties they may be feeling. Always reinforce the positive and preparing them for the next day will help eliminate anxieties.
3. Create a regular study area in the home that will provide the space and quietness necessary for conducting homework. Helping the child to develop good habits and manage their time will be setting them up for a lifetime. If in doubt as to how to setup a daily routine, use the Internet for finding the proper resources.
4. Never do the task (homework assignment) for your child. Walk them through it to be sure they understand while they are learning from the task. Never compare your child's work or behavior to another child's. It is important to keep in mind that self-esteem needs to be reinforced at all times.
5. Setup an area where your child will pickup and return his backpack/lunch bag each day. This will help organize and develop a daily habit.
6. Lay out clothes each evening before bed that the child will be wearing the next day. This will eliminate any anxiety in the morning as to what to wear.
7. Make each daily task a regular routine so the child knows what to expect. Any new task or change in schedule should be discussed with the child ahead of time so as to eliminate any unnecessary stress.
8. Preparing the child each night and discussing the day's events will help set the stage for the next day. Discuss openly any problems that may have developed during the course of the day and try to help the child develop the necessary coping skills' for the coming day(s). Remain calm when discussing the day's events. Never show anger or make negative comments. Maintain a calm environment in the home for the child to thrive within.
9. Always reinforce the child's positive behavior and remind him/her to have fun at the same time making good decisions'. Reward good behavior with a favorite activity, snack or even a big hug will do!
10. Make sure the school schedule allows for the child to get enough sleep time (8-10 hours) on a regular basis. In other words, the child should be going to bed and rising at the same time every day for overall quality sleep and health.
If you would like further information regarding ADHD, visit the following link: http://www.endadhd.com
Howard
has a keen interest in alternative and integrative health methods.
His research has revealed that a person's eating habits and lifestyle
can have a dramatic affect on their health. Howard has extensive
background in video production and has conducted numerous video
interviews with professionals in the alternative health field.
Thank you for a great article, Howard. I don't have an ADHD child, but have friends and family that do have and it's nice to know some do's and don'ts to help these children. Thanks so much for sharing.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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