Is my child ADD? Here are some mom-to-mom tips.

Your child’s teachers tells you she thinks your child has attention problems or is hyperactive. What should you do?

1. Listen calmly. Ask: “What are you seeing that makes you say that.” Children often act differently under different circumstances. Hear the teacher out; get her point of view.

2. No pressure. Realize that no teacher can diagnose. In Texas it is illegal for a teacher to tell you that you must put your child on drugs.

3. Think about these issues.

*Is the child getting enough outdoor time? Is it really ADD or Outside Deficit Disorder?
*Children, and boys especially, need active exercise time.
*Is the child bored? Bright children, especially boys, if they are not challenged academically, may seek stimulation elsewhere.
*Is the child being irritated by food dyes or other food sensitivities. (For more about that, hear our audio cast “GSB Get the Red [Dye} Out 120219” available at www.greatshalom.org player.)
*Does the child have adequate, regularly dosed nutrition, especially protein? Hungry children have a hard time focusing
*Might the child be depressed? Children sometimes display depression and tension differently than adults do.

4. Realize that only an MD can formally diagnose ADD/ADHD, yet other help is available.

*Doctors do not have an objective marker to make this diagnosis; they will ask for reports from several people.
*Doctors do not have education in pharmaceuticals or nutrition or complementary approaches, unless they taught themselves against the grain of the system.
*Most nutritionists were trained in graduate schools funded by agribusiness and pharmaceuticals.
*There are many wellness disciplines rising, such as ND s, OD s, and compounding pharmacists who specialize in understanding supplements. Network to find someone who is competent and trustworthy.

GSB has a CD set :
A Mom’s Protocol for Attention Problems

and has a recommended Book of the Month by a medical doctor who teaches wellness without medication when possible. Www.greatshalom.org