The initial struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be extremely overwhelming. As a parent, you've probably tried conventional treatments, Adhd medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy. You’ve also navigated the maze of countless providers including telehealth companies. But to no avail.  

If you've spent countless hours looking for the right solution and have gone through the ups and downs and trial-and-error, then slow down. All this time, you might have wondered if you were doing the right thing. It's okay. What you’ve gone through is enough to make anyone question their sense of reality. We’re here to help! 

So, to all parents who are warriors in the battle against ADHD and other Mental Health disorders and behavioral challenges, take a deep breath. You've embarked on a journey filled with twists and turns. It’s time to harness the power of natural solutions for brain health and bask in the promise of a brighter path ahead.

The Quest for Natural Treatments for ADHD 

The quest for natural solutions for ADHD begins with a decision and a conscious choice to explore a different path. It's about learning, adapting, and, most importantly, never giving up hope. But first, let's get one thing straight – there's no magic pill here. 

Understand that your child won't get well in 30 minutes. What they need is a treatment plan that's a good fit for them and a care team that won't prescribe medications like Adderall but would look at their medical history and monitor their health dashboard. 

Work with HIPAA-compliant, board-certified psychologists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, or similar healthcare providers who don't believe that prescribing ADHD medications with side effects is the best first line of treatment for your child.

The natural treatment journey requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to embrace change. That’s where personalized treatment planning comes into play. As no two kids are the same, your child's uniqueness deserves a tailored approach.

We all know that parenting is hard. There's no handbook, no foolproof guide, and no shortcut. But still, there’s always a solution. Here are some of the most effective natural ADHD treatments that work best on children and teens:

1. Maximizing the Power of Diet and Nutrition

Have you ever noticed that what your kids eat can impact their behavior and mood? Food can influence ADHD (Verlaet et al., 2014). Parents must explore the impact of diet to discover a treasure trove of potential solutions. Start by removing artificial additives and then add brain-boosting foods to achieve better health and nutrition.

Diet and nutrition are always included in the primary care of ADHD patients, as well as those with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. Drug administration shouldn't be discussed on the first appointment even for adult ADHD, more so with kids.

2. Mastering Mindfulness and Emotional Well-being

If you have an ADHD kid, you’ll need a serene oasis amidst the chaos. That's what mindfulness and emotional well-being can offer. ADHD doesn't just affect behavior. It also plays with emotions (Zylowska et al., 2008). It’s why some medical providers recommend meditation and relaxation techniques after a behavioral assessment.

A lot of patient care plans made by medical professionals include scheduled meditation as several studies show that its effects can be better than various medications (Meppelink et al., 2016). So, always combine breathwork and mindfulness in your child's ongoing care.

3. Harnessing the Benefits of Exercise

Exercise is like nature's Ritalin, which gives your child's brain a workout. Exercising has a profound impact on ADHD management. It helps with focus, attention, and mood stabilization (Fritz & O’Connor, 2016). Plus, it's an excellent way to burn off that extra energy, yours and your child's!

Maintaining one’s physical health is a must for any medical condition. Seek medical advice on how to best use exercise to improve your child's mental health condition. With proper time management, you can juggle your child’s need for physical activities, school work, and other responsibilities. 

4. Overcoming Challenges Along the Way

Overcoming challenges is part and parcel of this journey. There will be setbacks, frustrations, and days when you wonder if you've made any progress at all. The key is resilience. Remember that everyone’s story is filled with trials and tribulations. Your child's journey is no different. Every setback is merely a setup for a comeback.

After the initial appointment, schedule regular follow-up appointments with your mental health care provider. An online visit may work as well. What's important is that your child gets high-quality ADHD care in a timely manner to prevent a crisis.

5. Adapting Strategies for School Success

Navigating the school environment can be a significant challenge for children with ADHD. Effective communication with teachers and school staff is crucial. Share your child's ADHD diagnosis and any relevant information about their needs and preferences. 

Collaborate on strategies to support your child's learning. Establish consistent routines for homework and studying. Create a quiet, organized space for these activities. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and provide frequent breaks.

Explore the option of educational accommodations, such as extended test time or preferential seating. Familiarize yourself with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan process to ensure your child receives appropriate support. 

Don't hesitate to advocate for your child's educational needs. Attend school meetings, participate in parent-teacher conferences, and work with the school to create a supportive environment.

6. Navigating Social Challenges

ADHD can affect a child's social interactions. To address your child’s social challenges, encourage your child to develop social skills through role-playing and social stories. Practice conversations and teach them how to read social cues. 

Promptly address any instances of bullying or teasing. Teach your child strategies to cope with bullies, and communicate with school authorities if necessary. Foster positive friendships by arranging playdates and encouraging your child to participate in extracurricular activities they enjoy.

However, know that using social media rarely counts as social interaction. If anything, it may worsen ADHD symptoms if not used appropriately (Farchakh et al., 2022).

7. Indulging in Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers

Taking care of yourself is essential in managing the stress of parenting a child with ADHD. Prioritizing self-care is key. Recognize that self-care isn't selfish but necessary. Find time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, exercising, or spending time with friends. 

Seek out friends and family for support. Consider joining a support group for parents of children with mental health conditions. Sharing experiences and advice can be incredibly beneficial. Don't hesitate to seek therapy or counseling if you're feeling overwhelmed. A mental health professional can provide valuable tools for managing stress.

8. Preparing for Transitions and Life Changes

Transitions can be challenging for children with ADHD. If your child is changing schools or grade levels, communicate with the new school to ensure a smooth transition. Share information about your child's needs and any strategies that have worked in the past. 

Adolescence can bring unique challenges. Encourage open communication with your teen and seek professional help if necessary. Maintain routines and structure. As your child approaches adulthood, involve them in decision-making about their healthcare and treatment. Help them build essential life skills for independence.

9. Emerging Triumphantly from ADHD

Triumphantly emerging from ADHD is the stage where you see the fruits of your labor. Celebrate the small victories. Did your child sit through a class without fidgeting? Did they finish their homework without a meltdown? All these are worthy of celebration. 

Recognizing and celebrating progress is essential because small wins matter. ADHD management is a journey of small victories. Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest achievements, whether it's improved focus, completing a project, or trying a new strategy. Foster a positive and supportive environment at home. 

Encouragement, praise, and positivity can go a long way in boosting your child's self-esteem. The transformative power of natural solutions will become evident. You'll witness personal growth, reduced ADHD symptoms, and enhanced overall well-being. 

10. Sharing the Journey with Others

Here's where you pay it forward. Sharing the journey with others is about raising awareness. Tell other parents that there's a different path, a path less traveled but filled with hope. Encourage them to explore natural solutions. You might just change another child's life.

Your journey with ADHD doesn't end with a diagnosis or a treatment plan. It's a winding road, full of surprises, setbacks, and triumphs. Through the treatment of ADHD through natural solutions, you can empower your child to thrive ahead.

So, keep exploring, keep believing, and keep fighting for your child's well-being. Take that first step, explore the world of natural solutions, and never stop believing in your child's potential. 

Parent Action Steps

• Explore holistic treatment options for managing your child's ADHD.
• Adjust your child's diet to include brain-boosting foods and eliminate artificial additives.
• Introduce mindfulness and relaxation techniques to address the symptoms of ADHD. 
• Incorporate regular physical activity into your child's routine. 
• Practice resilience in the face of challenges.
• Collaborate with teachers and school staff to create a supportive learning environment 
• Help your child develop social skills through role-playing and positive social interactions.
• Prioritize your well-being through self-care activities.
• Communicate with schools during transitions, and involve your child in decision-making.
• Acknowledge and celebrate your child's progress and achievements.
• Pay it forward by sharing your experiences and knowledge with other parents.
• Keep exploring natural solutions and believing in your child's potential for growth. 
• Answer this Quiz to know if your child has ADHD.
• Take our Solutions Matcher for a personalized treatment plan for your kid. 

Citations 

Farchakh, Y., Dagher, M., Barbar, S., Haddad, C., Akel, M., Hallit, S., & Obeid, S. (2022). Association Between Problematic Social Media Use and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in a Sample of Lebanese Adults. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, 24(2). https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.21m03025

Fritz, K. M., & O’Connor, P. J. (2016). Acute Exercise Improves Mood and Motivation in Young Men with ADHD Symptoms. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 48(6), 1153–1160. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0000000000000864

Meppelink, R., de Bruin, E. I., & Bögels, S. M. (2016). Meditation or Medication? Mindfulness training versus medication in the treatment of childhood ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0978-3

Verlaet, A. A. J., Noriega, D. B., Hermans, N., & Savelkoul, H. F. J. (2014). Nutrition, immunological mechanisms and dietary immunomodulation in ADHD. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 23(7), 519–529. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-014-0522-2

Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., Pataki, C., & Smalley, S. L. (2008). Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11(6), 737–746. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054707308502