ADHD Holiday Help Tips by Jeannine Virtue

Unwrapping a pile of presents in one setting can over-stimulate your Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child. Encourage your child to slow down and play with a few toys in between presents. Withhold a couple big presents for after breakfast to keep the thrill alive.

Extending the unwrapping will not only help with over-stimulation, but it will also help with holiday letdown. Many children feel disappointment after waiting so long for this special day, only to have it finish in a matter of minutes.

_ Holiday ADHD Help Tip #10: Prepare well for the extended family get-together.

Most people love their siblings and parents dearly but let's face it, throwing everyone together for this once or twice yearly gather can cause stress. Parenting insecurities (and what parent of an Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child doesn't have them from time to time?) only compound, especially if your always-hyper child gets in a fray with the "perfect" cousin.

The commotion and noise level of so many people in one place added with a wild mix of foods and beverages only add to the havoc. Prepare well for this event. Map out a place for your child to escape if he becomes over stimulated. Be ready to leave early if your child cannot settle down. Bring books, movies and a crafts to occupy your Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child.

While together with your family, remember to brag up your child while he is within earshot. This self-esteem booster that will help your child behave better in the present.

_ Holiday ADHD Help Tip #11: Prepare well for travel as well.

If travel plans are on your holiday schedule, consider giving a few travel-related gifts to your Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child. A VCR that plugs into the car is probably one of the best gift ideas for saving parent sanity if your budget can afford. New books, crossword puzzles, books on cassette tape, travel games and coloring books are also good ideas for your travel pack. Remember to schedule frequent breaks for your Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child to get up and move around.

_ Holiday ADHD Help Tip #12: Remember to set aside quiet time.

In a season marked with high energy and many activities, scheduling quiet time becomes absolutely necessary. Spending time curled up reading a book after a hectic day or simply sitting in a darkened room listening to holiday music can effectively calm your Attention Deficit and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child.

_ Holiday ADHD Help Tip #13: Remember the "Reason for the Season."

The holiday season is about giving but children, by nature, often focus only on the gimmee, gimmee aspect of the season. Set a giving example by donating to a homeless shelter, by dropping a few dollars in the Salvation Army buckets, by "adopting" a family in need, by picking up extra dry goods for the local food pantry or any number of worthy ways of showing care for others.

The holiday season is also about family, warm feelings, caring and love. Do not forget to have fun in the midst of rushing about trying to finish off the last-minute details. Remember – your children will quickly forget the presents received this year but will long remember quality time spent together.

Kids Crafts: Holiday Glitter Ornaments

Your child can make these ornaments as gifts for their teachers, friends, grandparents and other relatives. Handmade presents have a special way of saying, "I care" and are often the best gift that a child can give.

For this simple and inexpensive holiday craft you will need clear glass ball ornaments, a variety of holiday colored glitter and glue.

_ Remove the ornament cap and clean the ball using glass cleaner.

_ Mix one part glue with two parts water.

_ Using a small funnel, pour a small amount of the glue mixture into the glass ornament, coating the entire inside area and pouring out the excess.

_ Using a different funnel, pour glitter into the ball, coating all inside areas and pouring the excess out onto a sheet of paper.

_ Allow the ornament to dry overnight. Viola, you have beautiful ornaments to hang on the tree!

ADHD RECIPES: Frozen Yogurt with an Omega 3 boost

4 eggs

2 cups plain yogurt

2 boxes sugar-free pudding

1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, bananas…)

2 Tbsp. flaxseed oil

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups skim milk

Blend all ingredients except milk in a food processor or blender. Gradually add milk. Place in freezer until soft frozen. Enjoy!

For more information about the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center, visit us at www.add-adhd-help-center.com.

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BIO:

Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an Attention Deifict son. Visit her web site to find drug-free alternatives to Ritalin and other ADHD medications.

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