Treatment for ADHD usually entails medications, behavioral therapy, counseling, and educational services. These are medical stimulants and are widely used in addressing the disorders in the brain for those diagnosed with ADHD. However, for those who are looking for non-drug alternatives, here are some ways you could alleviate the symptoms of ADHD:
Behavioral Therapy
Coaching
Neurofeedback
Music Therapy
Assistive Technology
Exercise
Healthy diet
Food Supplements
Chiropractic Care
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
ADHD manifests itself differently in every child and affects their certain mental faculties. The most common symptoms of ADHD are:
Inattentive
Child exhibits significant inattention and inability to focus on one thing at a time. The jump from one activity to another without finishing what they were previously doing. Though inattentiveness alone does not mean hyperactivity or impulsiveness.
Hyperactivity
Though they have adequate attention control, they are hyperactive and often act on impulse. They have inadequate control of their behavior and activity.
Combined
The child exhibits both hyperactivity and inattentiveness. This is the most common form of ADHD, and this combination makes it extremely difficult for the child to develop properly or on par with their peers, and there is often a stigma with children that exhibit these behaviors.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
This disorder is characterized by an inability to focus on one task, and their focus is easily swayed by other things. If left undiagnosed, this can be brought into adulthood. It is important to recognize the early symptoms so that the child is given the necessary help.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A developmental disorder that affects the child’s social ability which is characterized by strange social behavior and difficult communication with them. ASD is an umbrella term that encompasses many forms and conditions that affect communication and development.
Depression
This is a medical condition that is characterized by deep, severe sadness that goes beyond normal sadness or grief. It is difficult to clinically diagnose this without seeking professional help, thus it is important to be vigilant for signs of depression.
Anxiety
This is a category of psychiatric diagnoses that cover several disorders such as specific phobias, separation anxiety, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc. Anxiety attacks are commonly characterized by physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive symptoms. Often, these are similar to the fight or flight response.
Vigilance and observation are key in monitoring your child’s development. Though every child is unique, look out for definitive, significant symptoms that mark the presence of certain disorders so that the child may be given professional help.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Mental health is an aspect of our wellbeing that is just as important as our physical health, and on a personal scale, we should always strive for its preservation. However, there is a stigma that exists against the youth who experience mental illnesses, especially those who live relatively comfortable lives (who, if I may observe, are more prone to mental illness).
Parents have the duty to ensure that their children are healthy in every sense of the word, and so they must also account for their mental and emotional wellbeing. Here are some tips for helping your child through difficult times:
Pay attention to your child’s feelings
Praise their accomplishments
Don’t punish them for their shortcomings constantly
Be their companion in tough times
Empathize with them, put yourself in their shoes
Be flexible with your expectations in times of stress
Try to maintain a calm demeanor, as your child will experience stress too if they sense from you that all is not well
Parents can’t always be a Superman/Wonder Woman that can shoulder the burden of the world, which is why the most essential tip is to be human. At the end of the day, perhaps all we need is someone to be our friend in difficult times, someone we can relate with, laugh with, and most importantly, find strength in each other.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Power struggles are inevitable. They spring from what looks like competing interests of loving people at very different ages and stages. The fact that you and your child get into power struggles means that you and your child are each doing the most appropriate thing you can think of. Your job is to be the parent, keeping life safe and somewhat ordered. Your child’s job is to keep from feeling helpless in the face of so many decisions that are out of her hands.
Take a moment to consider your relationship with your kids. Remember that you can influence your child positively, but mostly only when they feel the connection with you. Here are some tips when dealing with power struggles:
Don’t take it personally. Remember that your child’s efforts to try and control situations stems from a healthy impulse to want to meet his/her needs.
Identify areas where you can appropriately empower your child.
Give them age-appropriate responsibilities, this conveys your confidence in their capabilities, which will empower your child.
Respect their opinions. Listen. Often the very experience of being heard can calm a child and make them feel supported. Even if what your child is suggesting isn’t appropriate at the time, having the freedom to share is validating.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to pay attention, to concentrate, and to control their behavior. This affects children and teenagers and can continue to adulthood.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of ADHD as early as possible to take the necessary measures in assisting with the child’s development.
The symptoms of ADHD can be categorized into inattentiveness, and hyperactivityand impulsiveness.
Inattentiveness
Having a short attention span
Making careless mistakes
Appearing forgetful
Inability to stick to tasks that take a longer time to accomplish
Being unable to carry out instructions or listening
Constantly changing tasks without finishing them
Hyperactivity and Impulsiveness
Being unable to sit still even in quiet environments
Constant fidgeting
Inability to concentrate on tasks
Excessive physical movement
Being impatient for their turn
Acting without thinking
Interrupting discussions/conversations
We must be vigilant when it comes to the development of our children because these disorders when left untreated can lead to more developmental problems further down the road. Instead of constantly berating them for these behaviors we should look inward and foster a nurturing environment for children that suffer from these behaviors.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
How many times have you had to play referee between your kids? If you can’t stand to stay out of your children’s fights and decide to become involved, the most effective way is to put your children in the same boat. This method makes sure there is no accidental favoritism that can erode the sibling relationship. It honors the fact that in any conflict, both parties can influence the outcome.
Since fighting requires both children to keep the situation hostile and unresolved, both should experience the same discipline for their disruptive antics, regardless of who started it, who had it first, or who owns it. None of those matters! If fighting erupts and doesn’t resolve itself, and you feel you must step in, try these several approaches that can help resolve conflicts:
️☑️ Instead of intervening in every argument, talk your children through how they can stand up for themselves and try to resolve the issue before reporting to you.
☑️ Insist that everyone take a break to calm down when arguments get heated.
️☑️ Set hard rules against name calling, profanity, and bringing up the past.
☑️Instead of using individual names, say: “You two.”
️☑️ Minimize comparisons. Whether comparisons are positive or negative, they have the same unintended effect on your children.
☑️Give a choice: “Would you two like to go to the Peace Table, use the Wheel of Choice, or take some Positive Time Out?”
☑️Show faith: “Let me know when you two have brainstormed ideas and have a solution you both feel good about trying.”
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Relationships thrive when you act lovingly towards one another, willing to make an effort to grow, and committed to working on themselves.
Follow these ways to live peacefully with ADHD:
SLOW DOWN
Life with ADHD is often frantic. Leaving the house, finishing projects, and showing up for appointments on time can be stressful for the person with ADHD. Each day whizzes by. Sometimes you can’t even remember where you went, what you did, and who you were with. ADHD is fast-moving, in the body and in the mind. Take time to slow down your body. Intentionally, move slower. Your mind will follow.
ACCEPT IMPERFECTIONS
People with ADHD have a few more challenges than most. However, everyone is imperfect. Even you. Once you accept your own flaws, you will think differently about your partner’s imperfections. We are human; all of us are struggling through life individually, yet together. Judgmental, critical thoughts distance you from peace and love.
LOOK FOR THE GOOD
Every trait has a positive and a negative side to it. The trait that drives you crazy is probably the same trait that brings a benefit to your life. Start by giving compliments. Say something nice. Sometimes you have to look hard to find it, but if you value your relationship, it’s worth the effort.
BE ON THE SAME TEAM
One of the most important things you can do is join forces. Be on the same team. Bickering, competing, and criticizing are unhealthy habits. When you’re amid negativity, be it an argument or just the voice in your head, remember to regroup, readjust, and realign your thoughts so that you feel united.
PRACTICE COMPASSION
This is indispensable within any relationship. A person with ADHD often feels disappointed, overwhelmed, and frustrated. When a person with ADHD appears to be acting selfishly, it may be that he or she is feeling overwhelmed with their own thoughts. ADHD takes up a lot of mental and emotional bandwidth. It’s exhausting and often the ADHDer is struggling to get through the next task. Slow down, be compassionate, and refrain from judgment. Your ADHD loved one will respond lovingly to your kindness.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Parents of children and adolescents who have ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and/or other psychological or neurodevelopmental conditions are at greater risk for burnout due to the challenging nature of these conditions, and particularly when the conditions are not effectively managed. When ADHD difficulties pile up and become overwhelming over time, burnout can accelerate and intensify.
The key is to acknowledge the need to change, be kinder to yourself and others about these challenges, and start to make adjustments. The symptoms of burnout can be an invitation to take a new path through the forest. Here are the 10 ways to address ADHD parent burnout.
Move toward acceptance of ADHD.
Get support from other parents of children and adolescents with ADHD.
Stay positive.
Create a plan to manage stressful and frustrating parenting experiences when they occur in the moment.
Enhance your self-care.
Work on improving your relationship with your child or teen.
Explore if undetected coexisting conditions exist.
Use more effective parenting skills.
Obtain and maximize treatment for your child or teen.
Consider obtaining professional help for yourself.
Avoiding parent burnout requires real effort. When parents do better, the family improves.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Children thrive if parents can have clear expectations for behavior and enforce those standards consistently. Determine what your expectations for your kids are on everything from how they perform at school to curfews, household chores and even things like using profanity and what their bedtime is during the school year. Be specific and then make the consequences equally as clear.
Tip #2: Model Appropriate Behavior
Remember that you always have an audience when your kids are in your presence. We’re human so we’re going to get irritated and speak harshly or display a temper now and then, but just as soon as it happens and you catch yourself, stop and apologize in front of your kids. By explaining why you’re sorry to your kids, you demonstrate that we need to be held accountable for our action.
Tip #3: Be Affectionate Often
When a child hears phrases like “I love you,” or “How’s it going?” or notices that you stopped what you’re doing when she enters the room and is greeted with a loving smile, it means the world to a child. When you display affection to your kids and other family members, you’re validating to them how important they are to you, which sends the best positive message you could ever deliver.
Tip #4: Teach Problem Solving
When kids are exposed to problems that allow them to be part of the solution, it builds important skills that will carry over into their adult life including how to manage their behaviors.
Although kids crave structure and boundaries, they also love and need to exert their independence. As they grow, obviously they’ll have more opportunities to make more involved decisions, which in turn will aid in their problem-solving abilities.
Tip #5: Teach Behavior During Play Time
Forbid name calling. Compassion starts with what’s acceptable and what’s not. Let him know that being kind to others is the rule and hurtful words are not allowed. If you get involved right away, you are sending an important message that kindness trumps everything and that name calling is not going to happen.
Tip #6: Request Respect
If your kids are taught how to respect themselves and others, they will learn good coping skills for dealing with anger and frustration in appropriate ways that are not verbally or physically abusive to others.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
Finding your kids in the thick of a physical altercation–punching, biting, slapping, or even worse was scary stuff for everyone involved–children and parents alike. But the truth is, this behavior is common, especially in younger children who don’t have more appropriate conflict resolution skills.
What can you do to reduce sibling fights? Model empathy, personal boundaries and healthy conflict resolution. Coach children during conflicts (when needed). Stepping out of a judge role and taking on a more neutral, facilitator role. Below are the five essential guidelines to stop sibling fights.
1. Step in and limit all behaviors that are hurtful. (You might need to physically stand in their way) Use calm and confident words.
It might sound like “I’m standing here, and I will not let you hurt each other.”
2. Take time to listen and validate feelings. Taking turns as needed to speak to each child and remembering that coaching role explained above. Think along the lines of “You two are having a hard time—I wonder what we can do,” instead of “He or she is the problem.”
3. Focus on understanding needs and boundaries. Avoid criticizing the behavior that was out of line. Children are quite aware that hitting and hurting a sibling is wrong.
4. Use respectful communication and discipline with the intent to teach. Focusing on solutions and agreements instead of punishments. This actively strengthens connection, a sense of cooperation, capability and well-being.
5. Don’t be afraid to suggest that everyone take some time to calm down. Stay by your children but don’t get into problem solving mode until tears have passed and everyone seems ready to listen.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
When a child’s self-esteem is positive and well balanced, they aren’t afraid of making mistakes because they recognize within themselves the ability to try again. They can manage worries, frustrations and the learning process well. Especially when parents can encourage and support them along the way.
Here are ten parenting practices that promote healthy self-esteem:
1. Use encouraging words: Self-esteem is reinforced when children feel confident in their abilities, even when things are tough. Encouraging words help children stay the course.
2. Welcome boredom into your home:When boredom shows up, children start to get creative. They tap into their inner resources, discover their interests and learn to rely on their own abilities. Allow for plenty of unstructured time for your child every day. Even better if you can get them outdoors!
3. Validate feelings without eliminating every obstacle: When your child is struggling, try to validate and listen. Have faith that your child will be able to feel a full range of emotions and get through their feelings.
4. Teach self-care skills: Show your child how to care for their body, belongings and home. Self-esteem really starts with knowing you can care for yourself, so allow your child to be an activate participant in their care from the very start.
5. Listen: Strive to make time to be together each day so you can listen to your child talk about accomplishments, fears, worries, ideas and more.
6. Acknowledge worries: When a child feels like her worries are being understood she is better able to deal with them and move forward. So, try not to dismiss worries and instead acknowledge them.
7. Have courage & be kind: Our children really are watching us and reflecting on the choices that we make. Face your own obstacles, fears and worries with courage. Highlight the good and how you worked things out. Of course, it’s ok to be authentic and admit defeat, but strive to do so with general compassion and kindness towards yourself.
8.Welcome mistakes and imperfections: See these as opportunities to learn, to persevere or to know when to quit and move on. Each mistake can be a chance to learn something new, or at the very least to model what it takes to problem solve.
9. Spend time together: Play, fun and laughter are incredibly powerful ways to connect to your child’s heart and mind. Children that feel connected to their parents feel good about themselves. This practice has tremendous potential to reduce stress, misbehavior and increase your child’s well-being.
10. Use connected, positive discipline: Focus on working together, on understanding the root of the problem, setting limits well and being present. A respectful, kind and clear approach to discipline helps your child feel secure, loved and understood. A great mix for growing up with a healthy and with balanced self-esteem.
Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS COACHING 