How to Calm ADHD Symptoms

A child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) shows symptoms of inattention, consistently high activity level and impulsive behavior. Problems in relationships at home and at school often are the end result. Children with ADHD don't want to feel or act the way they do. There are things parents can do beyond the assistance of doctors and medicine to calm a child's ADHD symptoms.

Instructions

Diet and ADHD

• 1

  Start by taking a look at everything your child is consuming. A food diary is an excellent way to determine if certain foods or additives escalate your child's ADHD symptoms or calm them. Some suspicious items are sugar, red and yellow food dyes and chocolate.

• 2

  Become a label reader and watch food carefully for hidden sugars. Some sugars go by different names such as sucrose, dextrose, glucose, lactose and fructose to name only a few.

• 3

  Plan meals ahead so you are serving healthy balanced meals. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables cut up and ready to eat so your child always has a healthy treat handy, and drink water, milk or 100% juice instead of soda pop.

• 4

  Discuss the food being served for school parties with your child's teacher and suggest choices that won't agitate your child's behavior. One option is to send your child a special treat for party day, and tell the teacher what your child may and may not eat from the party menu.

• 5

  Learn how to bake and prepare treats made with products that are less likely to trigger ADHD symptoms. Consider replacing chocolate with carob and substitute sugar with honey if your child reacts well to them. There are many healthy alternatives and it's worth the time you spend in research.

Behavioral Structure

• 6

  Set rules, expectations and consequences with the focus primarily on positive reinforcement. Make sure your child understands the rules, expectations and consequences then follow through consistently.

• 7

  Spend quality time with your child often. Play games, engage in activities that will allow your child to exercise regularly but mostly talk to your child to let him know he is important to you.

• 8

  Organize your home life because children with ADHD do not function well in a cluttered, unpredictable environment. Complete homework early, gather school materials, put them in the same place every night, have school clothes out and be ready for the next day.

• 9

  Help your child control the school environment by setting up an organized notebook and backpack for class work, homework and supplies. Make sure your child has a planner to record homework assignments and activities.

• 10

  Keep an open dialogue with your child's teacher. Share your knowledge of your child, your expectations at school and effective ways you have found to successfully handle hyperactive and inattentive behavior.

• 11

  Use time-out as a positive tool to allow your child to be removed from an agitating situation and calm down. Break large jobs into small tasks and calmly repeat instructions.

• 12

  Calm the ADHD symptom of poor concentration by making sure your child is getting plenty of sleep every night. Children 1 to 3 years old need 12 to 14 hours of sleep, 3 to 6 year old kids should get 10 3/4 to 12 hours of sleep, children 7 to 12 years of age need 10 to 11 hours, and 12 to 18 year old kids need 8 ¼ to 9 ½ hours of sleep daily.