Here4TN Monthly April 2017

Kids with ADHD: Helping your child thrive It’s not unusual for children to occasionally miss an assignment, daydream in class or say something to a classmate they end up regretting. But these can also be symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which includes having trouble paying attention, difficulties controlling impulsivity or hyperactive behavior. It’s estimated that 11 percent of school-aged children have ADHD.

Challenges for families

To be successful, kids with ADHD need support from their parents and teachers. But parents often feel overwhelmed and need help, too. Mental health professionals can help guide families by teaching them how to relate to each other and offering ways they can work together as a family. They may also provide referrals to support groups and give suggestions on managing stress.

Everyday tips

If your child has ADHD, you know the challenges that can come along with it. But there are things you can do to help your child feel more organized and build their confidence at home and a school:

• Promote healthy habits. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating healthy meals and snacks can help your child manage symptoms and stay focused. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for your child.

• Set a regular routine for the day. Establish a regular routine, from the time they wake up until bedtime. For homework, find a place they can work without distractions. Divide homework time into small parts and have breaks.

• Have clear expectations. Create rules and make sure your child understands what is expected from them. Structure can help children feel safe.

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• Give appropriate consequences. Set up consequences that teach and reward based on their behavior. Be consistent. And make sure to communicate the discipline methods you’ve set up to other caregivers.

• Make sure your directions are understood. To get your child’s attention, look directly into his or her eyes. Talk to your child in a clear, calm voice and explain specifically what you want. Keep directions simple and short. Ask your child to repeat the directions back to you. For difficult tasks, give only one or two directions at a time.

• Talk with your child’s teachers. Give them a list of the medications your child takes and any other treatments. Find out how your child is doing at school — in class, at playtime, at lunchtime. Ask for regular progress notes from the teachers.

• Help with school activities. School mornings may be hectic. Help your child prepare the night before by laying out school clothes and getting their book bag ready.

• Help your child make friends. Tell your child about relating to other people. Help them practice some ways they can connect with other kids, like listening well and reading someone’s face and body language.

• Identify your child’s strengths. Many kids with ADHD have lots of energy and curiosity about the world around them. Building upon these strengths with positive affirmations and praise can help.

• Set aside special time for your child. Spend some focused time solely on your child. This together time can help strengthen your child’s self-worth and confidence.

If you need help finding a physician or therapist for your child, visit Here4TN.com or call us at 1-855-Here4TN (1-855-437-3486) to learn more. By getting the help you need and working together as a family, you can help your child be successful and thrive.

This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

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Sources:

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Resource Centers. ADHD resource center. Accessed March 5, 2017.

HelpGuide.org: ADHD or ADD in children. Accessed March 5, 2017.

HelpGuide.org: ADHD parenting tips. Accessed March 5, 2017.

CHADD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Accessed March 5, 2017.

NIH National Institute of Mental Health. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Accessed March 5, 2017.

This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

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If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, you’ve most likely learned to manage the symptoms of impulsivity, distraction and hyperactivity in ways that work for you. You may have tried therapy treatment options or professional coaches to help you overcome the challenges of ADHD. But there’s a lot you can do to take control of your condition on your own. By practicing self-help techniques on a daily basis, you can live a highly functional and productive life. You may not have had the emotional and school resources available to you as a child. This may have affected your self esteem. Be sure to take advantage of all the resources that are now available to help you live a more happy and healthy life with ADHD.

Tips to help you stay balanced

Here are some everyday tips to help you stay focused and functional:

• Get organized. To help, make lists of daily tasks and strive to complete them. Do one thing at a time. Use a daily planner or calendar, leave notes for yourself and set your alarm clock to help you remember appointments or other activities. To help keep track of items around the house, try placing keys, bills and paperwork in one spot. Use folders to keep paperwork sorted and available when needed.

• Manage your time. Prioritize by deciding what is most important, and then stay on task. Try breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can help you accomplish them, so you can move on to the next one and get more done. Start out the day with a list of tasks according to priority. You may be able to put off the lower priority items, but it is important to devote time each week to catch up.

• Manage money. Create a family budget with input from all family members. Write down all of your expenses, so you can start making a plan to help you stay on track. Also set up a system to pay bills on time. Online banking is one way to help you schedule reminders and automatic payments. Remember to set aside money for those items that don’t come up monthly, such as car repairs, license plate renewals, etc.

• Minimize distractions. Find ways to reduce distractions throughout your day. If you find yourself being distracted by loud music or the television, turn it off. Move yourself to a quieter place. At work, close your door. Some find it helpful to wear noise cancelling headphones or listening to soft music.

• Reduce your stress levels. Getting enough sleep, eating right and exercising regularly can all help you feel calm and well-balanced. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you. Learn breathing techniques, mindfulness and practice living in the moment.

Adults with ADHD: Self-help techniques

This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

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• Try meditation. Racing thoughts can cause big problems when trying to finish a project. Breathing or walking meditations can be helpful. Start with just a few minutes. It may seem awkward at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will get.

As with anything, you’ll need to approach your condition in a way that is unique to you. If you need help finding a physician or therapist, visit Here4TN.com or call us at 1-855-Here4TN (1-855-437-3486) to learn more.

Sources:

HelpGuide.org: Treatment for Adult ADHD or ADD. Accessed March 5, 2017.

HelpGuide.org: Tips for Managing Adult ADHD or ADD. Accessed March 5, 2017.

NIH National Institute of Mental Health: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Accessed March 5, 2017.

CHADD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Organization and time management. Accessed March 5, 2017.

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