Lifestyle And Dietary Tips For ADHD And ADD

Engage In Positive Parenting

Positive parenting is a key strategy used for kids who feel different. This clearly applies to one with a condition like ADHD or ADD. Much of their frustration can be exacerbated by this fact! So instead of giving broad directions, parents should break them down into small chunks. This is just like a written to-do list! If the big task is for the child to clean their room, the first direction should be something like ‘make your bed,’ then ‘pick up your toys,’ and then ‘put your clothes in the hamper.’ Those three directions contribute to the overall task, but make it less daunting for children with ADHD.

Parents should also add one piece of praise with each ‘negative’ thing they mention. When the child is cleaning their room, parents should say something like ‘great job with your bed’ when they mention the toys as the next step. Every kid has something special about them. They should be reminded of that too!

Reduce Use Of Technology

Although technology like computer games and watching television can retain someone’s attention, it can also negatively affect them, especially if they have ADD or ADHD. Children and adults will both find too much reliance on technology results in pent-up energy, which can make other times worse for their ADHD or ADD symptoms. Thus, parents should focus on playing active games with their kids to release as much pent-up energy as possible. Adults with these conditions should make sure they get lots of physical activity too!

Getting rid of this excess energy can boost their quality of sleep at night. It also reduces the chances of inattention at other points during the day. Technology doesn’t need to be abandoned entirely, but it should not be the focus, especially for someone with ADHD.