Children with ADHD: everyday strategies, nutrition and support

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulsivity and activity levels. It is not the result of bad parenting. A professional makes the diagnosis, and the CDC notes that treatment can include behaviour therapy, parent training and medicines, depending on the child's age and needs. For children under six, the first step is parent training in behaviour management.

Strategies for home

1. Set a predictable daily routine and put it somewhere visible, for example as a picture schedule.
2. Give one short, clear instruction at a time and check that your child heard it.
3. Offer limited choices, for example two shirts instead of the whole wardrobe.
4. Set a small goal and praise or reward effort straight away, not only the result.
5. Split homework into short blocks with movement breaks, such as jumping or stretching.
6. For calming, practise slow breathing together, for example blowing out an imaginary candle.

Sleep, meals and movement

The CDC advises supporting healthy sleep, nutrition and physical activity alongside therapy. Keep the same bedtime and switch off screens before sleep. Offer regular meals with vegetables, fruit, protein and whole grains. There is no special diet that cures ADHD. Do not give your child supplements without a paediatrician's advice, because they can affect medicines.

Working with school and the doctor

Talk to teachers about adjustments in class. If your child takes medicine, watch appetite and sleep and report changes to the doctor. Look for support for yourself too, because parenting a child with ADHD is demanding.

Sources: CDC.