Natural Treatments for ADHD in Children

Natural Treatments for ADHD in Children

It is important you confirm your child has ADHD before you opt for any type of treatment. Speaking to your child’s pediatrician is the first step whereby he will evaluate the symptoms and make the diagnosis. While the usual treatment option for ADHD is medication because of its effectiveness, there are many side effects that are associated with medications. Opting for natural treatments for ADHD in children can seem like a better option. Some of these are as follows.

Diet
You want to focus on ensuring your child eats right. You want to provide snacks or meals at least with a 3-hour gap in-between. This can help them behave better and help them focus too because the blood sugar level will be in check. Consider adding omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and iron to your child’s diet. You should ensure your child has at least some protein at every snack or mealtime.

Daily Routine
One of the most effective natural treatments for ADHD in children is to have a daily routine. You want to take your time when making your child’s routine but make sure you think about all the aspects of your child’s life. You must ensure it is a realistic one and a simplistic one so that your child is motivated to follow it every day. Constant encouragement will go a long way and ensure your child is not overwhelmed.

Simplify
You want your child to succeed and so you want to make sure that you simplify the best you can. For instance, when you are allowing your child to choose between toys, make sure you give them only two options. This will ensure they don’t feel like they are overloaded with information and they will be better able to cope. Make sure that you explain clearly and concisely so that they understand.

Praise
While not one of the conventional natural treatments for ADHD in children, it is important nonetheless. Praise can really make a difference to a child with ADHD. You want to be patient and you want to ensure that every small thing that your kid gets right, you instantly praise and mean it. You don’t need to overdo it. Give a smile or a reward when they get something right or do things properly. You want to focus on their positives.

Green Time
Various studies have pointed to the importance of playing outside for children with ADHD. Children who regularly play outside in nature are shown to have lesser ADHD symptoms than those who don’t. You can set up your child’s routine so that they play for at least 30 minutes. Exercise is another important aspect of managing ADHD symptoms in children and you can enroll your child in team sports.

Behavior Therapy
Behavior therapy is one of the natural treatments for ADHD in children. You can speak to a cognitive-behavioral therapist about this therapy for your child. He can help you make the correct plan for your child and can help give you some important tips for dealing with a child with ADHD. Behavior therapy has shown to be effective although it might not seem like in the case in the beginning.

Get Prepared
As a parent, one needs to remember that a child with ADHD is going to be difficult. You need to be prepared to be patient and to ensure that you are always there for your child every step along the way. Understanding your child’s problems and helping them deal with them is crucial. Working with your child’s pediatrician and ensuring you are always supporting your child is important.