How to encourage concentration for a child with ADHD
As a parent with a child who has ADHD i understand the struggles everyday that occur from lack of concentration. Through trying different methods and tips along the way i found what works for us. After talking with other parents of ADHD children we have found some common techniques and outcomes. The outcome will depend on your commitment to your child and ADHD.
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Instructions
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First and foremost, evaluate and record in a journal of some sort what your child's daily activities are. Start from the morning until bedtime. Record how they spend their free time and everything they eat. If you just don't have the time, do the best that you can. Mark major points of the day if that is all you can allow for. You will want to make it a point to document whether this is a school day or a non-school day.
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Review your notes and particularly pay attention to the amount of time spent doing activities that require little to no bodily movement and no concentration. Compare that to the amount of time spent doing the opposite.
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For children with ADHD you want them to move. You need to give them the opportunity to release their energy. For every 30 minutes playing video games or watching TV, they need to spend that time doing something active. Have them play a board game instead of a video game. The patience and concentration that is required to play some games is the training they need. If you are a crafty person allow them to do crafts. You can purchase items at your local dollar discount store such as scissors, tape and construction paper. Allow them to use their imagination and create whatever they want. Its worth the $3! Over time you can reduce the amount of video game time and increase active playing.
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Review your notes and see how much sugar they are ingesting in a day. If cutting out a large amount of sugar is nearly impossible try to reduce that amount in increments and exchange it with healthier options.
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The combination of increasing time to release energy and decreasing sugar intake will make a huge difference. Reward your child with passes of 15 minutes of an activity they chose. Have an approved by You list of activities to pick from. This can be a bike ride together, walking the dog together, going on a hike, going to their favorite park even the library. Take advantage of an interest your child is currently into. If they are into trains, check local libraries and the internet for local free train shows. You will be surprised how often children would love to do something with you!
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Tips & Warnings
look for support from local parents who have children with ADHD
Be patient! Your child will not change overnight.
supervise your child if using scissors, glue or other crafts items
