How to Deal With a Child Who Has ADD or ADHD

A child diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)is a challenge to any parent or caregiver yet there are many things you can do to positively deal with an ADD/ADHD child.

Things You'll Need

• Child with ADD/ADHD
• Patience

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Instructions

• 1

  Establishing a good relationship with your child's teachers is an important step. Be sure to keep the communication open and you may learn specific tips and tricks which may help each other, which in turn will benefit your ADD/ADHD child.

• 2

  When your child gets off the school bus, have an activity for them to do which can help to burn off the energy that has likely been storing up while having to sit still so long.

• 3

  When helping them study, you may find an ADD or ADHD child does better giving answers orally versus writing them down or that being allowed to move helps them to focus. Having them walk around a kitchen island or table while giving answers to your questions, for example.

• 4

  Monitor their diet. There are various 'triggers' which can encourage bad behavior but there are also things that will benefit an ADD/ADHD child. It's believed among many that unpasteurized, fresh goat's milk helps and caffeinated drinks are even prescribed by many doctors as it can have the reverse effect on an ADD/ADHD child. Allowing your child a Mountain Dew before school in the morning is easy medicine for them to take and can have great benefits.

• 5

  Communicating with an ADD/ADHD child can be frustrating when you are just not sure they are focused on what you're saying to them. Be sure to put away toys and activities before starting a conversation with them. Ask your child to repeat back to you what you've said when giving them instruction or a short lecture. "Okay, now can you tell me what I've just said?" will usually suffice. Be sure to visit the link in the resources section below this article to learn more.