Soothing ADHD Symptoms in Kids

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects roughly seven million children in the U.S., according to the CDC. ADHD is a mental condition characterized by the inability to focus and concentrate, disorganization, forgetfulness, and in some cases, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. ADHD symptoms are many and various.

There are no outward signs of ADHD. A diagnosis should always be made by a licensed professional based on the child’s behavior and any thoughts or emotions they may describe.

ADHD symptoms in kids can wreak havoc in the following areas:

• Academic progress
• Relationships with peers and teachers
• Relationships with parents and siblings
• Social skills
• Meeting new people
• Waiting in line
• Being told no
• Mood regulation
• Quality sleep
• Healthy eating
• Memory and cognitive function

You can help soothe ADHD symptoms in kids by incorporating fun games and new habits into their daily routine. Counseling can also be beneficial in helping your child overcome the thought-emotion-impulsive behavior pattern common in ADHD.

Tips for Soothing ADHD Symptoms in Kids

Your child’s impulsive behavior or forgetfulness may seem troublesome, but you can make things easier by incorporating fun games and routines into the day. Children thrive on structure and routines. It makes them feel safe, even if they initially resist. Structure and routines can feel harsh at first, but stay consistent, and you will see a noticeable difference in ADHD symptoms in kids.

Consider the following list of ideas for soothing ADHD symptoms in kids.

Create a poster or chore chart with colorful stickers

Children with ADHD struggle with distractions and “shiny object syndrome.” They start one project only to leave it and start another. After a while, their homework is half done, and their room looks like a tornado has ravaged it.

To bring structure to their daily routine, create a poster or chore chart to hang in a safe space where your child can see their accomplishments. You can add tasks like picking up 10 toys before bed, brushing and flossing teeth, packing their backpack for the next day, and finishing homework. When the child completes a task, use a colorful sticker or marker to track their progress.

Schedule games for clean up and homework

Children with ADHD can become overwhelmed with the enormity of a task. Instead of telling them to clean their room or finish their homework, try splitting these tasks into smaller segments. How small each segment should be is dependent on their age and your child.

For example, set a timer for five minutes. Have your child pick up their toys as fast as possible in those five minutes. When the timer goes off, they are done for this round. Let them take a short break, then set the timer again.

You can use this concept for homework. If your child is a little older, set the timer for 15 to 25 minutes and ask them to focus on their homework only while the timer is on. When the timer goes off, give your child a break to grab a snack, play a game, or watch a reel.

Encourage your child when they do well

Children need praise and encouragement when they do well. If they are constantly criticized and labeled, then they will fulfill what is spoken over them. Instead, set up a reward system to encourage positive behavior. This could be praising them for passing a test, even if it is not an A, as some children with ADHD struggle with test taking.

Encourage streaks of appropriate behavior. If your child manages to keep their room tidy for one week, perhaps you could take them to the park or pool, or spend 20 minutes every night reading from a favorite book. Quality time with you is sometimes the best reward for a child.

Stick to your word about negative behaviors

As you reinforce good behavior, you must stick to your word about the consequences of harmful and impulsive behaviors. If you struggle to discipline your child, speak to a counselor. There is a difference between lovingly disciplining a child and breaking down their self-esteem or hurting them emotionally or physically.

Think about how God disciplines His children when they disobey. He is a loving Father, and this can be hard for children to grasp if they do not have experience with a caring parent. Ask for help in this area if you need it. Your child may not like it, but being held accountable for the actions is a loving reproof.

Limit sugar and caffeine in your child’s diet

Sugar, caffeine, and processed foods can worsen ADHD symptoms in kids. These foods can make concentrating more difficult and worsen impulsive behaviors and mood swings. Treats are fine for children and can be used as occasional awards, but should not be part of their regular diet.

Aim for healthier options like lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. For example, a snack of string cheese and an orange will give your child the right amount of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to fuel their minds to do homework without all the added sugar and caffeine.

Prioritize sleep

Sleep is when the body and brain rest, recover, and recharge. This is critical in young minds as they are still growing. Yet, many children with ADHD find it hard to “switch off” and go to sleep. Their minds are working overtime.

Create a bedtime routine to help your child unwind. You could start it after dinner. Try a few of the following to help get your child ready for a good night’s sleep:

• Put on pajamas
• Brush and floss teeth
• Avoid screens and devices for at least two hours before bed
• Avoid rough play before bed.
• Tell or read stories
• Talk about the day
• Pray for others

Some children like a warm drink before bed, if they don’t struggle with incontinence. You could try warm milk, caffeine-free hot cocoa, or herbal tea, depending on your child. Aim for 8 to 10 hours of sleep nightly. More if your child is a toddler or preschooler.

Make exercise a part of the daily routine

Exercise has its own benefits and can function as a natural treatment for various conditions. Heart-pumping exercise triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, all chemicals that boost well-being, self-esteem, confidence, and cognitive function. You can help your child improve their focus with daily exercise.

Many children participate in Physical Education and recess at school, but that might not be enough to experience the benefits. Aim for 60 minutes of play daily. This number can be broken up. For example, if your child spends 30 minutes in Physical Education at school engaging in moderate to vigorous activity, allow them to play outside for another 30 minutes, or take an evening walk for 15 minutes and dance to music for another 15 minutes. Make it fun, and your child will make exercise a lifelong part of their daily routine.

Consider therapy

Your child has thoughts that they may not understand. They may not be able to control their emotions, especially anger. They may be impulsive and impatient. Counseling can help children with ADHD learn how to identify these behaviors, feelings, and thoughts and reframe them. Through techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), your child can learn to change their thoughts, emotions, and feelings through a chain reaction.

For example, a child who can reframe a negative thought can pause long enough to decide how they will react to a situation. Or a child who lashes out will learn how to change the behavior and reframe the thoughts and emotions attached to the action.

Christian Counselors You Can Trust to Help

If you are looking for friendly and trustworthy Christian counselors in California to help with ADHD symptoms in kids, you’ve come to the right place. At California Christian Counseling, your counselor will start with an assessment and prepare a mental health care plan with you to help your child manage symptoms. These counseling sessions go beyond lifestyle changes and incorporate evidence-based psychology with the values of the Christian faith.

Contact us today at California Christian Counseling to get started.