Empowering Parents in Supporting Kids with ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that primarily affects behavior, especially in children. Signs and symptoms of ADHD, such as limited attention span, hyperactivity, and easy distractibility, may manifest from early childhood. Diagnosing ADHD in young children can be challenging due to fluctuations in their behavior. Children with ADHD may exhibit high levels of energy and distractibility on some days, while being calmer and more focused on other days. Consequently, doctors typically diagnose ADHD after the age of 5. Unfortunately, like most neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD can be diagnosed in individuals of any age. However, there are ways to minimize the condition's impact on a child's daily life. One effective approach is through reading and meditation which can significantly aid in the development of children with ADHD. Here, we explore some of the many ways on how reading and meditation can help your child
Engage in brain-stimulating activities to help them maintain focus.
Children with ADHD often have a limited attention span and are easily distracted. It is recommended to incorporate brain-stimulating activities into their routine, such as memory and concentration games, puzzles, or story-based games, to improve their ability to concentrate. Developing their sense of concentration takes time, so it is important to keep them engaged in tasks without rushing them to complete them. Additionally, providing clear and effective instructions or commands is crucial, as children with ADHD may require more explicit guidance to better understand what needs to be done.
Personalized meditations and the benefits your kids can get out of it.
Getting kids to meditate is a daunting task. It becomes even more challenging when a kid is diagnosed with ADHD because they are hyperactive all the time. Meditation can also be a good way to stimulate their brain and improve their focus. The longer your kids can meditate the more effective it becomes and soon enough you'll be able to see improvement in your child's behavior. Scarlett Panda's guided meditation for kids feature is another way to help kids with ADHD since the app can be personalized for your kid's liking. It helps parents overcome that challenge to get their kids to engage in exercises that require focus and attention. Scarlett Panda's guided meditation offers programs for relaxation, better sleep, mindfulness, focus ability, emotional awareness and more. Parents that have used Scarlett Panda’s guided meditation have seen significant improvements only a few weeks after using it.
Let them find a position or spot that they are comfortable with.
Hyperactivity is a characteristic trait in children with ADHD. When reading to them or when they are reading, they may adopt certain actions or positions that make them feel comfortable and help them retain the information they have read. Some children with ADHD might play background music to aid their focus, while others may prefer to move around or lie on the ground while reading. These unique behaviors are part of the ADHD experience. Despite their hyperactivity, children with ADHD can still absorb information from the stories they read or listen to. To ensure their focus while finding a suitable position or spot, frequently asking them questions and assessing their responses can help maintain engagement.
Encourage them to read out loud.
Similar to children with dyslexia, children with ADHD may find reading challenging. When they read silently, they may easily deviate from the text, leading to internal distractions. Encouraging them to read out loud can help keep them focused and minimize internal distractions. Another benefit of reading out loud is that it helps them remember how to pronounce words or the sounds of individual letters. By utilizing these techniques, children with ADHD can concentrate on the reading material, enunciate words correctly, and find reading more enjoyable and interactive.
Parenting children with ADHD requires a significant amount of time, effort, and patience. Despite the numerous challenges, parents are committed to guiding their children toward a better future. With unwavering parental love and the support of a trusted reading partner like Scarlett Panda, children with ADHD can navigate their journey with greater ease.