All children have a lot of energy and are easily distractable. While this is usually within the range of normal, some children have extra energy and an inability to focus that interferes with their ability to function in school and behave appropriately. These may be part of a condition called attention-deficit disorder, or ADD. Parents and teachers have a variety of techniques and treatments they can use to help the child with ADD learn to focus and perform with more consistency and less disruption.
Step 1
Empower the child to stay on task by breaking up assignments into smaller pieces. The Attention Deficit Disorders Associatio, ADDA, states that many children with ADD can be forgetful, and you can help them stay focused by giving them a short checklist of items to do. This helps the child feel confident as each item is completed and checked off the list.
Step 2
Help the child become more organized. Children with ADD especially need the structure provided by a daily routine because it helps them to know what actions must be taken, according to the ADDA Southern Region. Predictability and consistency helps the child with ADD to organize himself and his own behavior.
Step 3
Refer the child to a pediatrician or child psychologist for evaluation. Medications can help children with ADD learn to control their impulses and to pay more attention. Most of the medications used to treat ADD, such as Adderall and Concerta, are stimulants and can be addictive, which is why their use is sometimes controversial. However, according to the website ADD Resources, as many as 80 percent of people will have positive results from an ADD medication.
Step 4
Consider changing the child's diet. Many parents have reported excellent results from using diet to treat ADD. Parents may want to experiment with removing artificial food colorings and processed food from the child's diet and limiting sugar. Dr. William Sears also proposes that children with ADD may be deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids and should take a supplement.
Tips and Warnings
- Be patient. Remember that children with ADD are usually not trying to misbehave and simply need more help from you. Be firm yet consistent about the rules and expected behavior.
- Avoid situations that cause boredom and fatigue. Children need frequent breaks and movement.
