| So many children today have a hard time focusing. | | | | you've decided together would be an appropriate |
| They can't stay on task. They're easily distracted. | | | | reward. Since ADHD children need immediate |
| Learning and school success are at risk. Perhaps he's | | | | gratification, they'll respond positively to frequent |
| hyperactive. Or maybe she's just "zoning out." Some | | | | rewards. If a child has to wait the whole week for a |
| hyperactive kids can't control their behavior. They act | | | | sticker or for the reward, you'll probably lose his |
| impulsively. Shawn blurts out answers at school. | | | | attention and this strategy won't work. |
| Brittany makes poor choices without thinking. Some of | | | | - Use a timer. When doing homework, it may keep him |
| these kids have ADHD. Others don't. | | | | on task and moving at a good pace. Be careful though, |
| But whether your child has ADHD or just can't focus, | | | | because some children become anxious about being |
| these strategies will help parents help their children to | | | | timed. For others, timers can be distracting. Look for |
| be more successful at school, to learn more, and to be | | | | timers that don't tick. |
| more cooperative at home. And a note to teachers: | | | | - ADHD medications. If various strategies are not |
| several of these strategies will work in your classroom | | | | successful, and your child is still having difficulty staying |
| too. And you can certainly suggest them to parents. | | | | focused, your physician may recommend medication. |
| - If appropriate, encourage your child to work in spurts | | | | With the proper choice and dosage, the improvement |
| with breaks. Encourage her to work in intervals of no | | | | can be amazing. But be sure you're consulting a doctor |
| more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time with ten-minute | | | | who's knowledgeable about ADHD stimulant drugs. |
| breaks in between. This will help her stay focused | | | | Most pediatricians are not as they receive little training |
| because as she's working, she'll know there's a break | | | | in neuropsychopharmacology. Ask for a referral to a |
| coming up. She needs to learn to treat herself | | | | child psychiatrist. You want to make sure your child |
| well--after all, it's hard for her to stay focused. | | | | receives the best drug and in the proper amount. |
| - Remind her to remind herself that when she's | | | | - ADHD diet. Sometimes certain foods affect children |
| supposed to be working, she needs to stay on task. | | | | in unpredictable ways. If you suspect diet might be an |
| This means she needs to concentrate: think, read, | | | | issue, consult your physician. Make sure your child eats |
| write and talk. | | | | a healthy diet. Too much sugary, processed food and |
| - ADHD behavior charts. Try using a behavior chart. | | | | not enough protein can cause your child to act in ways |
| Be sure to design this with your child. Together come | | | | that might make you think she had ADHD. A healthy |
| up with your goals. For example: I will play after school | | | | breakfast is a must. |
| until 5:00. Between 5:00 and 6:00 I will do my | | | | Now pick one of these strategies at time. And since |
| homework (be sure to include breaks as | | | | good parenting involves getting the kids involved, let |
| recommended above). I will eat dinner between . . . etc. | | | | your child pick the one they think they'll like the most. |
| Have fun creating your chart together. Then set up | | | | Gradually add another activity from the list. You'll soon |
| your goals. Your child receives a star, a sticker, or a | | | | find what works and what doesn't. Teachers, you can |
| check mark, for each accomplishment. When he has | | | | also pick a strategy or two that will work at school to |
| received five of them, he gets a toy or whatever | | | | help those ADHD kids in your classroom. |