How to Help Children with ADD Calm Down

ADD, which is also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD), is a behavioral condition that is characterized by hyperactive and impulsive tendencies and high distractibility. ADD is a very commonly diagnosed disorder in children because it is particularly noticeable in the school environment. Children with ADD may have trouble focusing on homework, tests, lectures and in social relationships. Children with ADD often have trouble settling down in order to focus on a particular task, but there are several ways you can get your child to relax if he or she is suffering from ADD.

Things You'll Need

• Decaffeinated tea, milk or apple cider
• Vapor rub

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Instructions

• 1

  If your child is feeling frustrated about something, ask him or her to count to ten and take deep breaths. Deep breathing can help slow the heart rate and distract your child in order to get him or her to focus.

• 2

  Play a game with your child that incorporates a tension/relaxation exercise. Tell your child to tense up as much as he or she can, keeping her legs, arms and face as tight as possible. On your command, instruct her to completely release her muscles and flop down as much as possible. Repeat this exercise five to ten times.

• 3

  Instruct your child to stretch up into the sky, then stretch down to the ground. This exercise will keep your child's mind on his body as he is focusing on expending energy out.

• 4

  Serve your child a warm, sugar-free beverage. A warm drink like decaffeinated tea, milk or hot apple cider will help calm your child, especially at night.

• 5

  Take your child outside and let his energy be boundless while outdoors. This way, once it's time to go back inside, he will feel ready to follow structured rules again after getting a break.

• 6

  Massage a vapor rub into your child's chest at bedtime to relax her. Both the rubbing motion as well as the scent of the vapor rub will lull your child to sleep.