Children with ADHD

If you're married and have children, you know how hard it is to balance time and attention between your partner, your children, your job and duties at work or at home.

When you throw a child with ADHD into the mix, it can put a strain on what already is a struggle to keep things together.

Times have changed and mothers have to work to bring home a paycheck. Mothers do not have the luxury of being able to stay home and care for their children if they so choose. With this being said, children who may need the extra attention because of a behavioral problems are often not able to receive it. Parents come home stressed, pressed for time, juggling responsibilities and often over look what needs to be addressed.

As a mother with a child who has ADHD, I am learning my options for treatment and what works best for me and my child. I have learnt that ignoring it only makes the situation worse. Children diagnosed with this disorder need help, whether it is with medication, change of diet, counseling or behavioral management.

In my child's situation over the past few years, I have tried everything except medication. This is what we have started on this week. We will try different strengths or kinds to find what will be best for her.

Parents who have children with ADHD often choose not to treat it with medication and tough it out by using techniques that involve behavioral management, a change of diet or counseling.

Behavioral management involves making sure the child understands and knows what is to be expected of him. A parent then reinforces the positive behaviors and ensures the understanding of their consequences for negative behavior.

For a change of diet, a parent significantly reduces the child's sugar intake by up to 90%, reduces their intake of carbohydrates and avoids possible trigger foods that may increase the behavioral problems. Also supplements may be used as they have been proven to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Counseling is another option for those diagnosed with ADHD. Therapists can assist families in managing disruptive behaviors and encourage change. Children with ADHD can be taught how to interact appropriately with others at school or home, focus their attention when needed, learn problem solving and manage their anger that they express.

My doctor advised me that the most common medications used to treat ADHD are Adderall, Concerta, Daytrana, Dexedrine, Dexotrostat, Focalin, Methylin and Metadate. Of course all medications have side effects; you just try different types until you find what will work for that specific child and that situation.