ADHD treatment starts at home. Even if your child is prescribed medication for his or her ADHD, the environment you create at home will make a big difference in his or her progress and success. As part of our ADHD therapy programs in Michigan, we recommend lifestyle adjustments parents can make to improve their child’s symptoms and experiences. Listed below are some at-home ADHD treatments you can use for your child.
Encourage Physical Activities And Exercise
Exercise is a natural treatment for ADHD. The dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin that the brain produces during physical activity are similar to what a child may get from ADHD medication. Of course, you don’t need a prescription to keep your kid active. All you need is a ball and a yard to play in. Find physical activities that your child is excited about – riding bikes, hiking, playing a sport, dance, martial arts, etc. There are many options out there, and all of them will help reduce your child’s ADHD symptoms.
Create A Consistent Meal And Snack Schedule
Creating a schedule for your child’s meals and snacks will help maintain his or her blood sugar levels, which play a role in your child’s ability to concentrate throughout the day. Try to plan meals and snacks no more than three hours apart from one another. For instance, you may have breakfast at 8 AM, lunch at 11 AM, a snack at 2 PM, and dinner at 5 PM. If your child is hungry after dinner, you could plan another snack time before bed. The more consistent you are with this routine, the less irritable your child will be throughout the day.
Note that foods with protein and complex carbohydrates help to reduce hyperactivity in children. Try to plan a healthy, well-balanced diet for your child that is rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. All of these will do wonders for your child’s symptoms, and they will help control his or her weight at the same time.
Set A Strict Sleeping Schedule
Sleep plays a vital role in the brain’s ability to process thoughts and emotions. Even as an adult, you may notice that you feel tired and less alert when you have an irregular or insufficient sleeping schedule. These side effects are worse in children, especially those who suffer from ADHD. As part of your at-home ADHD treatment, set a strict sleeping schedule that allows your child to get plenty of rest for the following day.
Establish a regular bedtime, and turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed (televisions, phones, tablets, etc.). Create a wind-down period that gets your child calm before bed, such as reading a book quietly or taking a bath. Limit physical activity in these late hours, and you should see great success with your sleeping arrangement.