If you were told your child needed medication for ADHD and they were 2 or 3 years old, what would YOU do?
As a naturopath trained in numerous disciplines, I want to scream from the rooftops NOOOOOOOO! After seeing an article today on this alarming statistic, I had to write this article.
Here’ what you can do instead of drugging your child with meds and side effects galore:
1. Stay away from all junk and processed foods
Fast “food”, processed junk food, artificial preservatives, food colorings, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, GMO foods, nitrites, just to name a few – all contribute to diminished learning and behavioral changes. Gluten especially can be challenging for behavior as well.
Sugar cereals, Goldfish, Doritos, sugar-free popsicles, pizza, fast food hamburgers, microwave meals, pre-packaged convenience “foods” ARE NOT FOOD.
Begin feeding your child WHOLE FOODS, make your own meals from healthy (organic if you can) ingredients.
I can’t tell you how many children’s “hyperactivity” improves with some simple diet changes.
2. Realize your child’s brain is developing NOW and your child walks around every day with the equivalent brain wave activity of an adult’s dream state brain activity.
Yup, I said dreaming. Until age 7, children’s brain activity is that imaginative, dreamy type of state – they flow from item to item, they live in the moment, they live in the present NOW, which takes them through life following the next shiny object. That does not mean some children don’t genuinely have ADD or ADHD, but how can you actually tell at this age? It’s called Delta and Theta brain waves. It’s all that kids primarily have up until age 7. I teach LOTS about this topic in my parenting workshops, and won’t get into the details here, but it’s significant. Something I wish all parents understood.
3. Stop the television watching and get outside!
Studies have shown that watching television at a young age impairs brain development and is a contributor to future aggression, lack of impulse control, etc.
Being outside is grounding, literally, and playing outside is crucial to keeping children balanced.
4. There are tools to help calm the nervous system that are safe and natural.
Aside from getting outdoors and getting exercise and connection with nature, there are many tools you can use. Some essential oils are calming to the nervous system, help relax and bring balance, and also affect brain activity. These would be lavender for calming, peppermint for focus, frankincense, clary sage, vetiver, to name a few.
The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or better known as “tapping” can help your child calm down. You can tap on their meridian points to balance them. Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial. The list goes on an on.
As a mom and as a human being, my soul aches for these children. Well meaning parents who don’t know other options for this.
Although I feel I should say that there may be situations where this is necessary, but honestly, at that age?
Please share this post so that people know there IS another way!
To read the original story, visit www.today.com.
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