In my many experiences working in education, I continually encounter distraught parents who discover that their children
are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, commonly referred to as a “disorder”. After meeting and working with these children, I
don’t see disorders at all! I see gifts–gifts in creativity, personality, perception, positive energy, art, music,engineering, science, etc. To me, it’s a personality type, and I choose to refer to it as the ADD/ADHD personality. As with all
personalities, there are strengths and weaknesses, with this personality usually struggling with attention and focus.
So as we begin this new year, here are a few tips to help you and your children experience more focus and attention to complete tasks and achieve goals:
Establish structure and stick to it.
ADHD/ADD personalities need simple and predictable rituals for meals, work, play and sleep.
Help your child eat a healthy diet.
Increase your intake of omega-3 from fish or cod liver oil. This is a very important nutrient for children with ADHD/ADD. Drink only water for a beverage, taking care to avoid fruit juices. Restrict or eliminate sugars and grains from your diet, increase protein.
Encourage outdoor activity.
Research has show that more “green” time reduces the symptoms of ADHD/ADD.
Simplify your child’s schedule.
While this personality needs structure, they also need “down” time to process and eliminate stress.
I hope these tips help you all, whether you’re dealing with ADHD/ADD or not, to start the year with focus and attention to keep those new year’s resolutions through December 31st. Have a happy, productive and prosperous 2013, and remember, minimize the “disorder” and look for the “gift”!