If you are an engaged dad, and your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, you may be wondering what the most effective way is to manage the symptoms. Although there are ADHD products for adults, they are often not appropriate for children, especially younger ones. There are a number of alternative ways you can support your child so that he or she can thrive in school and at home.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Just like there is over the counter medicine for anxiety and stress, there are meds for ADHD. However, it may be better to start with more conservative methods, as many medications have side effects. Making lifestyle adjustments is one way to try and manage symptoms.
One of the first places to start is nutrition. For some kids, artificial ingredients exacerbate hyperactivity and impulsivity, so it is best to avoid fake colors, artificial flavors, and artificial sweeteners. Foods with added sugars should also be limited.
In general, a well-balanced, organic diet is the way to go. However, certain nutrients have been shown to help particularly with ADHD:
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Zinc
- Iron
- Magnesium
Along with diet, sleep is an area that may help with ADHD. Make sure your child is getting a good night of quality sleep every night. If insomnia seems to be an issue, Melatonin supplements may help.
Mindfulness and ADHD
Practicing mindfulness can help improve self-regulation and attention. What this looks like depends on the age and maturity of your child. Older children may respond well to meditation or breathing exercises. For younger kids, refocusing their attention may work better. If symptoms seem intense, or your child seems extra anxious, switch to a different activity, such as going for a walk, listening to music, or exercising.
Therapy and Medication
If making lifestyle modifications and being more mindful does not improve symptoms, you may want to take a more traditional approach to treatment. Therapy is one approach that is effective. The most common is cognitive behavioral therapy, and it helps your child:
- Develop coping strategies
- Identify behaviors and emotions that interfere with using these strategies
- Improve daily struggles
Mental health professionals recommend that parents also attend therapy. These sessions help parents recognize how they can best support their child and assist with what they are discovering in behavioral therapy.
Medication is also an option, but many parents want to avoid dangerous prescription drugs. The good news is that there are homeopathic remedies available over the counter. One, which is Brillia, is made with Lapine S-100. This is an antibody that purposely tracks down the S-100 protein. When this protein is overstimulated or overproduced, it causes symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Lapine S-100 attaches to this protein, which suppresses these symptoms.
Parents who choose this option are happy because not only does it decrease ADHD symptoms, but it also has no side effects or contraindications. It also comes in varying doses so you can most effectively manage your child’s symptoms, whether they are mild, moderate, or severe.
