Children are naturally hyperactive. A child with ADHD has even more energy than a child without ADHD. As a parent, you may struggle to control your child’s symptoms in a healthy, effective manner. In the suggestions below, we will review some great ways to channel your child’s energy and reduce ADHD symptoms.
Limit Time With Electronics
Electronics are mentally stimulating, but not necessarily in a good way. The rapid motions on a TV screen or video game can hinder a child’s ability to focus and learn. If your child spends a great deal of time on a playing video games, watching TV shows, or using apps, you may want to scale that back. Encourage outdoor activity as much as possible, and set structured timeframes for the TV, computer, gaming console, etc. You may deal with some rebuttal at first, but ultimately this is what’s best for your child.
Find Physical Activities Your Child Enjoys
Playing sports, dancing, cheerleading, swimming – these are all positive ways to channel ADHD energy. Every child is different, so it may take some time to find a physical activity your child enjoys. Talk to your child about sports he or she is interested in, or get a trampoline to put in the backyard. Something as simple as bouncing around for an hour can quickly wear off excessive energy.
Have Conversations With Your Child
After a long day at work, the last thing you probably want to do is talk to an 8-year-old about his day. However, those little conversations will do wonders for your child’s ADHD symptoms. Ask your child what he or she did throughout the day, and react positively when physical activity is mentioned. That sends a positive message that will encourage your child to move around more in the future.
You may not think talking is channeling energy, but for kids with ADHD, it is highly effective. These children often feel neglected during the day because they have so much going on in their minds. As you talk to each other, your child will learn how to focus and how to recall past memories. He will be working on his ADHD symptoms without even realizing it! And you will create a lasting bond that improves your relationship as a whole. Everybody wins.
Work With An ADHD Counselor
A professional ADHD counselor can help you gain a better understanding of how your child’s mind works and how you can adjust to that. Small differences in your schedule, your conversations, and your lifestyle will help your child in all areas of life. Your therapist will also help you, the parent, deal with the stress and frustration that often comes with ADHD. Contact Perspectives Of Troy Counseling Centers to schedule an appointment with an ADHD therapist in Michigan, and we will gladly help your family through this energy-filled development period.