What kids need

Kids are the future and our greatest accomplishment. As a father, I can assure you that the second you have a child or children, they become the motivation for everything. The sad part is, so many people are too busy to make sure that kids get sufficient play time, parent time and proper food.

As our lives get busier and more hectic, it becomes harder to balance all that is needed, but an effort must be put in. Our future generation deserves it.

As some of you know I take a course on Monday nights. Last night during the break I started talking with somebody who happens to be a secondary level school teacher. We started discussing ADD and ADHD and how to help kids that have focus and attention problems.

Both of us agreed that medication should be the very last resort. Our main concerns were slightly different, but we both agreed on the overall formula. I would like to share that with you.

1) Kids need proper nutrition so that their brains can get what they need to focus and have the ability to pay attention. Breakfast is an absolute must, and it should be balanced and healthy. Snacks should be mainly fruits and veggies, and lunch should also be balanced.

2) Kids need time to run around, jump around, and get rid of stored energy. By allowing kids to run and jump, and fall and get dirty etc... we are allowing their bones to properly develop, and they are getting the idea that activity is important, and that will carry on to the future.
Putting your kids on a team, or getting them involved in organized sports is GREAT, but they still need that time to just let loose in a park or backyard.

3) Kids need the attention from their parents. Be interactive with your kids. Read them stories at night, watch 1 TV show with them each evening. Discuss your day with them at supper time. Colour with them, or build lego or a puzzle with them. They will feel appreciated, loved, and it is great quality time. It will even help relieve some of your stress.

4) At times you must be tough with your kids. They must know that rules are set and MUST be followed. You are the parent, and they must understand that. This will lead to better behaved children in the short term and in the long run.

I can assure you that those 4 steps will lead to a happier and healthier child. If they really are ADD there are still options, but many kids are just lacking 1 or more of the above.

I have also noticed some kids are generally much smarter than others. If they don't pay attention in class, it is because they are BORED... they need to be challenged. Putting a child like that on medication is a crime in my books. Add stimulation or extra work to them and you will see an immediate difference.

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