For many children with ADHD, sitting still is a near impossible task. Their constant physical activity can be frustrating for parents and difficult for teachers when a child’s hyperactivity disrupts a class. But there are a number of simple techniques parents can use to help their ADHD child harness their energy and accomplish their goals.
While many celebrities are reticent to talk about their learning challenges, Ty Pennington has been vocal about his ADHD diagnosis. He is proof that no matter how strong the symptoms of ADHD might be, they can be harnessed into a creative and fulfilling career.
While there hasn’t been a great deal of conclusive research on diets that improve ADHD symptoms, there are some foods you can eat which are good for the brain and could help make your symptoms better. A healthful diet may reduce symptoms of ADHD by reducing exposure to artificial colors and additives and improving intake of omega-3 fats and micronutrients.
Recent research has linked ADHD to a variety of sleep problems in children. There are a number of simple steps you can take to help your ADHD child create better sleep patterns. By working with your child and your child’s physician, you can create a sound sleep environment to help your child get the sleep they need to succeed with ADHD.
Getting homework assignments done can be a huge struggle for kids with ADHD. It is important as homework problems are often a reason kids with ADHD fail in school. However, with some planning, you can help make homework less of a struggle for both you and your child.
When you have ADHD or other executive functioning challenges, you may feel restless, impulsive and have difficulty paying attention. That can make managing your time much harder. There are skills you can learn to help overcome these challenges and be more productive with your time.
When most people occasionally bounce a check or forget to pay a bill, they may put it down to forgetfulness or a busy work schedule. However, for adults with ADHD, managing money can often be a constant struggle. Trouble with planning, organizing and self-control are the opposite of what it takes to successfully manage your personal finances. Having ADHD does not mean you are destined for financial problems. The key is creating a simple plan and put it in place, step by step.
Many children are best able to express and challenge themselves through play. Research is showing that board games, used in conjunction with therapy or coaching, can help kids with ADHD or executive functioning issues, develop the intellectual, cognitive and social skills they need to succeed in school and life.
Social intelligence is our ability to interact effectively with others in any given environment. Social IQ is a measure of that ability. Unlike the intelligence quotient (IQ) score, social IQ is variable throughout one’s life and can be improved with practice. Children with ADHD face special challenges in social situations. But with the help of their parents, and some hard work, they can overcome those challenges, boost their social IQ, and enjoy more effective personal interactions.
Executive functions refer to cognitive processes that are necessary for the cognitive control of behavior to successfully attain chosen goals. We all use these executive functions to plan, organize and complete tasks. Problems with executive functioning can be seen at any age but tend to be increasingly apparent as children move through the early elementary grades. The demands of completing schoolwork can often trigger signs that there are difficulties in this area.
