ADHD and Releasing Energy

ADD and ADHD are often described as feeling like one's mind shutting down, "because you have to put so much effort into policing your brain... forcing yourself to focus over and over... that there's nothing left to put into doing a good job on the work you have to do" (source). Because of this, children with ADD and ADHD often find it difficult to comply with requests from teachers and parents because they constantly feel as if they are being restricted. One of the best methods of maintaining comprehensive communication with a child with ADD or ADHD is to allow them to express themselves and expend energy every day. The expulsion of energy helps the child feel less anxious about pent-up energy, and practicing healthy modes of self-expression helps the child develop their creative voice. Try engaging with your child in an unstructured platform for at least 15 minutes each day, allowing your child to do essentially whatever they want to expel their energy. It is also important that, at the end of playtime, you help the child center themselves to allow for a return of focus.

Want to know more about ADD and ADHD? Click here to check out Dr. Clatch's "What's Happening!" articles, featured on our website!

---

Questions? Comments? Want to submit a topic for Dr. Clatch to write about?
Check out our FaceBook page (don't forget to "Like" us!) and let us know what you're thinking: https://www.facebook.com/CouragetoConnect
And for those of you who tweet, follow us on Twitter @CTC_DrClatch!