Children who have ADHD sometimes feel overwhelmed with their seeming inability to "get it all together." They want to sit still and pay attention in class, but their bodies won't let them. They want to get along with others, but their minds won't slow down enough to let them catch up with their peers.
Exercise
Exercise can help your child burn off excess energy. Whether you steer your child toward organized sports such as baseball or soccer or a solitary sport such as cross country running, make sure she selects a sport suited to her interests and abilities.
Consider your child's need to be in constant motion when you are discussing possible sports activities. Sports which require mental discipline are also a good fit for your child. These sports include tae kwon do, yoga and martial arts training. These three sports will enhance and help your child build more mental control.
Nature Time
Playing in a park where green foliage abounds, will benefit your child more than playing on a concrete playground. When your child is playing "in nature," he will experience a reduction of his ADHD symptoms. Try to incorporate some "green" play time for your child; when you take him to the park, you will benefit from the relaxing atmosphere, as well.
Nutrition
Teach your child to pay attention to the foods she selects and help her to make the connection between what she eats and her ADHD symptoms. Foods made from scratch, fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer sweets will benefit your child not only as she learns to handle her ADHD but as she learns to make nutritious choices for her overall health. As you make dietary changes for your daughter with ADHD, incorporate those changes for your entire family. You will all benefit as well.
Learn to Read People and Listen
Children with ADHD often miss social cues and facial communications of other people. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are not as advanced as their peers in social maturity.
You can teach your child read the cues other people are trying to give him. You may need to "role-play" various scenarios your child has already experienced or which he may experience at some point. If he has particular difficulty with understanding nonverbal cues, practice those with him.
Teach him listen and to speak less. Children with ADHD sometimes impulsively interrupt, because they don't want to "lose track" of a thought, regardless of the effect this interruption has on peers.
Support Groups
You and your child can join support groups which help parents and children to address issues which may arise for both of you. If you join a parent support group, you will find out you don't have to take all of the responsibility on yourself. You can reach out and ask for help. Your child will be able to discuss strategies which have helped her, and she will learn about coping skills other children have learned to use. Some schools have these groups for their students with ADHD to join in and participate.
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