As a parent, you know that supporting your neurodivergent child is a top priority. When it comes to kids with ADHD, finding effective strategies to calm them down can be a lifesaver. This blog post is your go-to resource for understanding the unique challenges faced by children with ADHD and how you can help them navigate their emotions. We’ll provide you with tips and techniques that can make a world of difference in your child’s life.
Table of Contents
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Kids
Before we explore calming strategies, it’s essential to understand what ADHD is and how it affects children. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These traits can make it difficult for kids with ADHD to regulate their emotions, leading to meltdowns and outbursts.
Key Challenges Faced by Children with ADHD
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Impulsive behavior
- Hyperactivity and restlessness
- Emotional dysregulation
- Social challenges
Understanding these challenges is the first step in finding effective ways to calm your child with ADHD. With this knowledge, you can tailor your approach to meet their unique needs.
How do you calm a child with ADHD? Top Strategies for Parents
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork let’s explore some effective calming strategies for children with ADHD. Remember, every child is different, so be ready to experiment and adapt these strategies to suit your child’s needs.
1. Create a Calm and Structured Environment
One of the best ways to help your child with ADHD feel calm is by creating a structured and predictable environment.
This includes:
- Establishing routines for daily activities
- Minimizing distractions in their living and learning spaces
- Using visual aids like charts and calendars to help them stay organized
Goally can be a great tool to help create this structured environment. With its customizable features, you can design routines and schedules that work best for your child, making their day-to-day life more manageable and less overwhelming.
2. Teach and Practice Relaxation Techniques
Introducing relaxation techniques can be a powerful tool for helping your child manage their emotions.
Some effective methods include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Guided imagery
Read more: Calm Down Strategies for Kids
Remember, practice makes perfect. Encourage your kid to practice these techniques regularly to build their emotional regulation skills. You can even join them in practicing these techniques, creating a calming bonding experience for both of you.
3. Encourage Physical Activity
Physical activity is not only beneficial for overall health but can also help release pent-up energy and improve mood.
Encourage your child to engage in activities they enjoy, such as:
- Swimming
- Running or jogging
- Yoga or tai chi
- Dancing
- Team sports
Read more: Teaching Kids How to Keep Calm
Regular physical activity can help your child burn off excess energy, making it easier for them to focus and stay calm throughout the day.
4. Offer Positive Reinforcement and Praise
Positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping your child feel calm and confident.
Be sure to:
- Praise their efforts and accomplishments
- Offer rewards for good behavior
- Encourage them to express their feelings and emotions
Using a tool like Goally can help you track your child’s progress and provide positive reinforcement through customizable rewards and incentives.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If your child’s ADHD symptoms are causing significant distress or impacting their daily life, it may be time to seek help. A mental health professional can provide guidance, support, and additional strategies to help your child manage their ADHD.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts, as they can offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Calming a child with ADHD may not always be easy, but with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can make a positive impact on your child’s life. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Stay open to trying new approaches and be patient as you and your child navigate this journey together. With your support, your child can learn to manage their emotions and lead a fulfilling life.
FAQ’s About How Do You Calm a Child With ADHD?
What are some calming strategies for a child with ADHD? Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness activities can help. Also, using visual schedules and emotional regulation apps can provide structure and predictability. How can rewards help calm a child with ADHD? Rewards can motivate children with ADHD to practice self-control and calming techniques. They provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviors. Can physical activity help calm a child with ADHD? Yes, regular physical activity can help expend excess energy and promote calmness in children with ADHD. How can parents help their child with ADHD manage emotions? Parents can teach their child emotion regulation strategies, such as identifying feelings and using coping skills. Emotional regulation apps can be a helpful tool.
This post was originally published on 05/08/2023. It was updated on 11/07/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
