citizensmemorial.com 9 KNOW THE SIGNS To learn more about mental health in children and what to look out for in your kids’ behavior, visit cdc.gov/ childrensmentalhealth. These seven strategies may help manage attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. 1 ) Serve up healthy foods. Meals and snacks with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, such as fish and chicken, can help reduce ADHD symptoms. 2 ) Stick to a schedule. Try to follow the same daily routine, including times for waking up, going to bed, doing homework and playing. Post the schedule on the refrigerator or a bulletin board so your child can see it and know what to expect. 3 ) Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep. School-age kids need 9 to 12 hours each night. 4 ) Encourage your child to burn off steam. Physical activity can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms. 5 ) Get organized. To minimize frustration, have a place to put household items, such as bins. Remind your child to write down assignments and bring home books and other necessary items. 6 ) Help your child manage complex tasks. Teach your child how to break down complicated assignments into simpler steps. 7 ) Set clear and consistent rules. Children with ADHD especially benefit from consistent rules they can understand, such as “dirty clothes go in the hamper.” Praise or reward your child for following simple household rules and doing a good job. Positive feedback helps children, in general, feel successful. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute of Mental Health 7 ways to help your child with ADHD Need help managing your child’s ADHD behavior? Management of ADHD behaviors in children can be overwhelming for caregivers. Behavioral treatment, such as evidence-based parent behavior-training programs, can help. In parent-training programs, you can learn effective strategies to help your children become more successful at home and school. This treatment helps you develop consistent strategies to help your children in areas such as following instructions, completing tasks and maintaining focus during daily home activities. Rachael Swopes, PhD, offers appointments for parent training at the CMH Pediatric Clinic. Different formats are available for children of a variety of ages, from 2 to 18. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 417-777-2121. CHILDREN’S HEALTH
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