Lifestyle Intervention
Exercise - Your child needs exercise! Aim for one hour per day whether it is in the form of organized sports, martial arts, dancing, biking, running, walking, swimming, etc. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, helps weight control, and sets up good habits for life.
Screen Time - Limit recreational screen time, especially video games, to no more than 45 minutes per day! Video games teach the brain to expect instant rewards which is not good for the ADHD child.
Hobbies - Help your child to develop a variety of interests such as caring for pets, planting vegetables, cooking,
jewelry making, crafts, art, music, camping, exploring nature, or whatever your child shows an interest in that is away from the computer and television. Yes, all of these activities involve some amount of work for parents. But, that is what you signed up for when you had kids. The time goes by quickly and soon they will be grown.
Positive Parenting - The book that I like all parents to read is called “Transforming the Difficult Child” by Howard Glasser and Jennifer Easley. This book is very helpful in showing you how to transition your child into better behavior. At difficultchild.com there is a 7 hour online course for 79 dollars. I also can refer you to a psychologist who works with families and specializes in ADHD. I always like to give my patients a range of options for their budget since I know that it can be expensive to have an ADHD child evaluated and treated.
