ADHD Tips

When my son was first diagnosed with ADHD and started medication, I was so caught up in the ADHD diagnosis and the treatment that I forgot to talk to him about what was going on. I started giving him medicine, and my precious, 7-year-old ADHD son said, “Is something really bad wrong with me?” We sat down right there on the edge of the tub and had The Talk.

The “You Have ADHD And It’s An Illness and Not Something You Can Help” talk.

Here are some things to focus on during the talk.

1. Do a Lot of Kids Have ADHD?

On average, about 5% of kids, or 5 out of 100, have ADHD. That means, for instance, out of my son’s fifth grade year at school, probably 5 kids have ADHD.

Boys usually have ADHD more than girls–boys are two to three times more likely to have ADHD than girls, but doctors have no real idea why.

2. Did I Get ADHD From One of My Parents?

It’s possible. ADHD does tend to run in families, and if Mom or Dad has it, at least one kid is likely to have it. But the fact is, no one knows what causes ADHD and no one knows how to cure it.

3. Does ADHD Have Symptoms, Like a Cold?

Yes. Symptoms of ADHD include having trouble paying attention, getting distracted easily, not being able to sit still, and doing things like interrupting people when they’re talking. ADHD kids lose things and forget things.

4. If I Have ADHD, What Will We Do About It?

The first step is a visit to the doctor to find out if you really have ADHD and make sure nothing else is wrong. From there, we’ll talk with the doctor about treatment plans and medication and therapy.

These are some basic questions you can start with for “The Talk.” Of course, you’ll need to adapt the questions and answers to your particular situation, but hopefully this will help you get started.

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Is there a natural cure for ADHD kids? This is the question that plagues many parents as they wrestle with the question – To medicate or not to medicate? They are only too aware of the FDA warnings on the ADHD drugs, the warning labels and the scary stories they read about in the ADHD blogs and forums. When the side effects, even if they are rare, range from weight loss, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, hallucinations and cardiac arrest, they wonder what they are letting their children in for. Is it possible that a non-addictive, yet effective natural child ADHD treatment does not exist? Where do parenting and schooling come into the equation?

The poor grandparents who look after the kids while the parents are out working to ward off starvation, are the latest victims in the ADHD war. The London Times carries a report of a study done on about 5,000 children (The Millennium Cohort Study) which shows that the children cared for by the grannies were much more hyperactive and displayed more inappropriate behaviour than those who were cared for qualified staff at the nurseries. They assessed the behavioural problems at the age of nine months! So, we can take all this with a grain of salt as I cannot see how they assessed such behavioural problems at such an early age.

Whoever looks after the ADHD children, the question of child ADHD treatment has to be addressed. Diet, nutrition and schooling also play a role. Most experts now say that we should avoid giving kids lots of carbohydrates (especially at breakfast) as this will lead to highs and lows in blood sugar and that will in turn affect their concentration and behaviour. Much better to give them foods which have a low GI (Glycemic Index) to keep their glucose levels steady throughout the day. Protein (such as eggs) are better than cereals at breakfast.

Schooling is an essential element in any child ADHD treatment plan. There are things the parent of the ADHD child can check out at school which can help. Have a word with the teacher and make sure your child is not near a door or window. Also the seating arrangements can help children to focus better – rows are favoured over little groups of desks. As a teacher myself of adults, I found this to be true. It was very hard to get the students’ attention when they were all facing in different directions!

Coming back to the basic question – will a natural cure for ADHD kids really work? Can it be just as effective as the ADHD medication? The answer is a resounding yes as thousands of parents have found to their joy and relief. The homeopathic remedy which is the most effective natural cure for ADHD kids is one of the best and safest on the market to-day. There are qualified homeopaths working on these remedies and there is no risk of addiction. Why not click on the link to find out more and let this natural cure give you back your peace of mind.

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While talking to an autistic child, my mother suddenly see the shoes I wear are Crocs, never seem before in Staunton, VA (although as late as January 2008). She immediately focuses on the latter, manifesting symptoms of adult ADD perfect. Someone give this woman a Ritalin!

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How on earth can you deal with defiant kids ? No pill exists for that ! It is now a well established fact in the medical profession that ADHD treatment should be a comprehensive one which will include a good dose of behavioral modification alongside with medication, diet, exercise and school support. In spite of taking medication, child behavior will not change at all in the long term. It may well get worse. There may be some improvements in symptoms such as restlessness, fidgeting and better focus and improved concentration but these are only skin deep. In the long term, the medication will not cure ADHD and if child behavior is left unchecked, it is unlikely that the child will outgrow ADHD and he will have a handicap for the rest of his life.

Going back to the defiant kids, there may also be other symptoms which could well be that of a co-morbid disorder like ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). Symptoms will include an incredible amount of anger, outbursts and a generally aggressive attitude to both parents and siblings.

It is in cases like this that ADHD behaviour therapy comes to the rescue. If parents are prepared to make the required effort, it can well turn a disastrous situation around. Studies have shown that child behavior can be positively influenced by these methods. Similar success has been found with older citizens suffering from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston got similar results when they tried cognitive behaviour therapy among the patients who had problems taking anxiety medication because of the side effects.

Talking of medication for ADHD it has been shown that about 20% of children have great difficulty in adjusting to these medicines because of the considerable side effects and grow less than normal kids. Stunted growth is not the only problem either as there are risks for heart health and psychotic episodes are linked to some of the other medications like Strattera. If parents choose an ADHD homeopathic remedy they can side step many of these problems and spend considerably less. They are just as effective in improving child behavior as pharmacological solutions .

There are now quite a few researchers advocating ADHD behavior therapy before medication and they are saying that this should be the first option rather than the last in trying to resolve problems with child behavior The drugs companies obviously do not agree and will try to discredit ADHD behavior therapy instead of spending money to research the long term effects of the psychostimulants they have poured down children’s throats while earning enormous amounts of money.

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When you find out that your child has ADHD, it’s not uncommon to be shocked and concerned about what to expect. However, you should know that although ADHD can be limiting for a child, there are ways to manage it successfully. ADHD does not have to be the biggest factor in your life as a parent, nor does it define your child. Raising an ADHD child is achievable without losing your sanity with the right strategies and attitude.

Probably, the biggest challenge that a parent can have in raising an ADHD child is hyperactivity. All kids can be a bit boisterous when they are young and exploring the world around them but ADHD children can be particularly so.

Raising an ADHD child may require you to develop lightning fast reflexes and running skills as a child with ADHD can get away from you in the blink of an eye.

This hyperactivity can manifest itself in different ways. Some children tend to misbehave and be noisy, although it’s generally not due to willfulness.

Raising an ADHD child can require you to develop a high tolerance level for chaos. Nobody is ever prepared for the level of hyperactivity that children can have. What you need to do is make sure that their excess energy gets channeled into a productive outlet instead of a destructive activity.

Another challenge of raising an ADHD child lies in education. The structured environment of a classroom can pose some real difficulties for ADHD children. Because of their ADHD, some children have learning difficulties and to make matters more complicated a number may have learning disabilities too. Others may be particularly gifted in certain areas. In order for your child to get the most out their education the school and parents need to work together.

Speak to the school about the possibility of adapting the curriculum to fit in with your child’s needs. Ask the teacher to make allowances for their behaviors and to try and provide an environment that doesn’t distract them from learning. This could mean sitting at the front of every class away from window and next to students who offer a good role model.

Mixing up lessons so that they involve practical work as well as writing and desk based work can also keep them interested for longer periods.

For younger children a sticker chart can provide motivation to complete tasks and also being given jobs to do that allow for movement, like handing out assignments or materials.

Maybe the greatest challenge that a parent will face in raising an ADHD child is treatment. Every parent wants the best for their child and it may seem that suppressing ADHD behaviors with medication is the way to go. Although prescription medicines like Ritalin may seem like an easy answer, it is important to remember that there are adverse effects of these medicines which could cause you to regret using them later in life.

There is a number of other treatment strategies that can help, from nutritional supplements and dietary interventions to biofeedback and behavioral therapies, along with herbal treatments and homeopathic remedies.

Not all of these treatments will work for every child so some trial and error maybe involved in finding the right treatment, or combination of treatments, to suit your child.

For more tips and advice on raising a child with ADHD sign up for the free newsletter below

Raising an ADHD child is just like raising any other child: you need to focus on what’s best for them, not what’s best for you.

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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. This is mostly occur in boys than in girls. These behaviors contribute to significant problems in relationships, learning and behavior. About half of children who have ADHD continue to be easily distracted, have mood swings, hot tempers and are unable to complete tasks. There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The causes of the child ADHD are food allergies, depression, genetics, diet, undetected seizures. The very real need for structure with a child with ADD the desperate need for rebuilding and maintaining self esteem and far from least, names of organizations and educational institutions which would be of value not only to your child but to yourself as a parent. Childhood ADHD is diagnosed after a child has shown six or more specific symptoms of inactivity and/or hyperactivity on a regular basis for more than six months in more than two settings.

Types of Child ADHD

There are three types of the child ADHD. They are as follows

Combination of Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive Child ADHD

Combination of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type Child ADHD

Inattentive Type Child ADHD

Symptoms of Child ADHD

Difficulty following instructions

Loses things necessary for tasks or activities

Low concentration

Have difficulty playing quietly.

Talks excessively

Forgets things

Do not finish tasks.

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.

Prevention for Child ADHD

Set specific times for waking up, eating, playing, doing homework, doing chores, watching TV or playing video games, and going to bed. Post the schedule where your child will always see it. Explain any changes to the routine in advance.

Use More Immediate Consequences – ADHD children require more immediate feedback or consequences for their behavior and activities than do normal children.This feedback must be clear, specific, and occur as close in time after the behavior that is the target of change as circumstances permit, if it is to be maximally effective in developing and maintaining positive behaviors in ADHD children.

Reward your child when he or she tries to finish school work, not just for good grades. You can give extra rewards for earning better grades.

Diagnosis of Child ADHD

The diagnosis of ADHD involves the gathering of information from several sources, including school, caregivers, and parents. Your childs primary care doctor can determine whether your child has ADHD using standard guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These diagnosis guidelines are for children 6 to 12 years of age.

Treatment for Child ADHD

All doctors across the board – agree that ADHD medications are not the cure for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and A.D.D., but simply a means of minimizing the symptoms.

A team effort, with parents, teachers and doctors working together, is the best way to help your child.

The long-term treatment with a combination of medications and behavioral therapy is far superior to just medication treatment.

Some children benefit from counseling or from structured therapy.

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is responsible for affecting about 35% of children in the United States. Due to the lack of medical studies conducted for children using the typical drugs doctors may prescribe for this disorder, many people have turned to ADHD homeopathic remedies. They are considered safer and independent studies have shown they are showing good results.

What Types of ADHD Homeopathic Remedies are Used?

The types of homeopathic ADHD remedies may include Hyoscyamus Niger, Stramonium and Cina. Hyoscyamus Niger was used in the past along with other plants as anaesthesia. This remedy also was used therapeutically as a psychoactive drug. Stramonium is the dried version of jimsonweed which is used for treating ADHD as well.

Cina or octopus cactus is one type of cactus that is indigenous to Mexico. The plant is used in many homeopathic medicines including ADHD. This medicine was most helpful for those showing physical aggression.

Stramonium was most beneficial for children who were suffering from irrational fears or who had symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome. Hyoscyamus Niger had better results with manic disorders. Children who have been diagnosed with ADHD have problems paying attention, controlling their disruptive behavior and are sometimes uncontrollable.

There has been much controversy over the use of Ritalin and anti-depressants that parents felt might be worse for an ADHD child than the symptoms themselves. The use of this type of drug is giving way to the new ADHD homeopathic remedies. Parents like the idea of this type of remedy because of they are all natural and they like the results they are seeing.

My Child Has ADHD

The diagnosis of ADHD is enough to scare any parent. They have pictures flashing in their mind of an uncontrollable child who does not get along with anyone. This is not the true picture. ADHD children can under the right circumstances are just as calm and loving as the next child.

The key is to see the qualities your child has and wants to share when they are given the opportunity. The use of homeopathic ADHD remedies can help this to happen. The lively, happy and curious child you had can be back in no time. The use of a homeopathic remedy is to take care of the symptoms and allow your child to be able to function just like normal. The alternatives are drugs that make them drowsy, irritable and unhappy.

A normal childhood is what you are striving for your child to experience. This can be possible if you focus on the symptoms of the problem. Finding out what works to help your child learn how to control ADHD is the most important thing. The covering of symptoms does not get to the root of the problem. When treating the child with ADHD it is extremely important that you understand the specific fears and problems the child is having.

In conclusion, the child who suddenly is diagnosed with ADHD is also terrified and they need the reassurance this is something that can be handled. This is just as much a surprise to them as it is to you and they may not understand the term quite as well. Explain to them the problem, as simply as possible, and the ADHD homeopathic remedies that they will be using are very safe. This will help them to cope with this problem that is causing a very traumatic time in their lives.

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Here is your situation – you are now faced with an ADHD diagnosis which has just been confirmed by your doctor. That was what you thought anyway as all the ADHD child symptoms which your child has, were straight out of the manual. The over-excitability, outbursts and disruptive behaviour were definitely not those of a normal child.

But you still have to deal with the constant fidgeting, the non-stop motion and the chattering. You are even under pressure from the school as the psychologist is recommending that your child be put on Ritalin (methylphenidate). He claims that he knows a thing or two about ADHD child symptoms.

Join the club – ADHD is now an epidemic so no need to feel alone. Actually it probably touches up to 15% of all schoolchildren in the USA and there are a lot of adults out there too who have ADHD and they do not even know it ! If you talk to your doctor about what kind of medicine he will prescribe, he will probably mention some of the side effects. After all these are psychostimulants and many of them are basically amphetamines which means they are going to affect the heart, blood pressure and there is a risk (however small )of cardiac arrest. According to the Pediatrics journal, there is also a risk of hallucinations.

Rest assured that it has nothing or very little to do with your parenting. But is there no other type of treatment which can alleviate ADHD child symptoms ? There must be some type of treatment which will not drug your child and turn him or her into a potential drug user (or should I say abuser ) Well, there is a natural homeopathic ADHD treatment which can help manage the symptoms of ADHD in child. Your doctor, unless he is a convinced homeopath, will not want to know so no need to ask him.

Homeopathic treatment for ADHD will involve a holistic approach to the suppression of symptoms of ADHD in child. They will be just as effective in reducing hyperactivity, distractability and impulsivity without having any of the alarming side effects of psychostimulants which I mentioned above. These homeopathic treatments will also help your child to stay focused and concentrate which is another one of the classic ADHD child symptoms. Why not find out more about how these homeopathic remedies can help you to return to a normal tranquil family life without all the trauma and worry that ADHD psychostimulants can cause?

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Teaching our kids about money and how to handle it is no easy task. But it’s not impossible. A good foundation early on can go a long way to ensuring your child has a solid grasp on money matters. Here are five financial concepts your child should know. 1. Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees It’s [...]

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Nutrition and ADHD is a hot topic right now in the ADHD blogs and forums. You, as a parent will be paying more and more attention to the foods to avoid if you have an ADHD child.

Foods to avoid for ADHD can be summed up very easily – less sugar, salt and food colourings/additives. Let us look more closely at what this involves for a parent running a family with a thousand things to think about and remember. In the UK, there are far too many schools still serving fast food in the form of chips/French fries, pizza and sausages. In spite of Jamie Oliver’s best efforts, there are not many schools which will serve fruit and vegetables, salads and other healthy snacks. That is the healthiest diet any child can have whether they have ADHD or not.

At home, it is best to avoid any instant food such as powdered soups which are bound to contain MSG (monosodium glutamate). This latter additive has a very high salt content.

Sugar itself does not cause hyperactivity but it can lead to spikes in glucose levels which will cause mood swings. Sugary foods to avoid if you have a child with ADHD child will range from sweetened yogurts, ice cream, chocolate, breakfast cereals, energy bars and any sweetened drinks. All sugars are not created equal and if you opt for honey that can be beneficial as the pollen it contains can help with allergies. Molasses also contain trace minerals and iron. Soda and pop are also to be avoided as the additives they contain have been shown to be a contributing factor to ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inappropriate behaviour. The UK and the EU have how taken steps to ban these and some colourings from food products.

As well as thinking seriously about which foods to avoid if you have an ADHD child, you will also have to think of what kind of medication to help your child cope with ADHD symptoms. There are now more and more doubts being raised about ADHD meds which are basically psychostimulants. Medical authorities and experts now tell us that a combination therapy of medication, diet and behaviour therapy is the best approach. But which medication? Natural cures which use homeopathy for ADHD are now regarded as being more effective, safer and free from side effects. As well as the foods to avoid if you have a child with ADHD, why not think about which medications to avoid?

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