ADHD Controversy

Hyperactive children can be unmanageable, defiant and aggressive. Many parents have their fingers in their hair, staring at this little creature and think: “This isn’t what I signed up for”. Children are supposed to be the ultimate joy in a parent’s life.

So what went wrong?

While it is true that some children need ADHD management and medication, the rate of misdiagnosis is staggering. Earlier research stated that about 2-3% of children, more boys than girls are affected by ADHD. Looking at reality, in a class of 30 kids about 5 or more are on medication which is about 16%, far more than the 2-3%.

Some people claim that ADHD can be better diagnosed and therefore more children are being picked up (research shows that 10% of children are now diagnosed), but I believe that the true reason is misdiagnosis.

How many mothers have you met who says: “Jason was diagnosed with ADHD when he was grade 1, but when I had him retested in grade 3, they said that he didn’t have ADHD.” I know quite a few mothers with the same problem. Children are being misdiagnosed and put on medication they don’t need.

Why are kids being misdiagnosed?

There are several reasons. One is that a teacher complains to a parent about their child being hyperactive, distant or short concentration span. Parents want their child to be the best, nicest and most beautiful, so such a report must be changed.

Another is that parents compare their kids to their friends’ and find that their child is naughtier or more defiant than their friends’ “little angels”, resulting in medical intervention.

There are many other people who regularly complain to parents on the behaviour of their kids - grandparents, friends, babysitters, etc.

The next step is to have the child tested by a professional who will find the child has or doesn’t have ADHD and take necessary action.

Misdiagnoses happen when normal children seem hyperactive.

Now you may think I’ve lost my mind, but there are a number of reasons why a normal child displays characteristics of hyperactivity or attention deficit.

1)      Children consume too much sugar and preservatives and too little nutritional food or drink.
Children need real nutrition for their brains and bodies to work properly. How much frozen, crumbled chicken or other shaped food do you serve your kids? They’re easy to make: just bake, pan fry or deep fry, they keep for ages in the freezer and kids love them.
Why you shouldn’t give your children food like this: they’re full of preservatives, salt, sugar, fat, ground up meat off cuts, and more. The amount of real nutrition in these is shocking.
Your children need to eat real meat: chicken, beef, fish and vegetables (not take-away cheesy veggie bites) and fruit. The fresher the food, the better the nutrition. Frozen veggies can be used, but fresh veggies tastes better and are actually better for your family.
Rule of thumb: if it doesn’t spoil, don’t eat it; but eat it before it spoils.

Here is a fantastic article written by Dr. Michael G. Conner (Psychologist) which explains how food and TV can make your perfectly normal child seem hyperactive, defiant or even mentally disturbed.

2)      Children need to drink enough water. This is actually part of the previous point, but it is too important to skim over. Kids love sweet drinks, soda and flavoured milk, but the fact is that the need water. You can treat them from time to time with their favourite drink or candy (not a bucket load of candy, just about one child’s handful), but they need to eat fruit and drink water daily and by default.
Your kids should know that the answer to: “Mommy, I’m thirsty,” is “Here’s a glass of water.”

3)      Children need involved, assertive parents. If you let your kids walk all over you, that’s exactly what they will do. Your house is not a democracy - you are in charge and your kids need to understand, from as early as possible, that your rules are the law.
I’m not going to go on and on about how to be a good parent. There are numerous books and articles out there to help you be a better parent. Still, even if you’ve read every single book and article on parenting, it is still your house and you have to be comfortable with your life.
Just make sure that the kids understand that the parents have to be obeyed and they can’t manipulate you. Make sure that your rules serve the purpose of loving and protecting your child and your choices have their best interest at heart.

Children disobey parents and teachers when they aren’t sure that they are loved and/or when they always get their way. The latter can make children become increasingly manipulative with parents, other people in authority and peers.

If you suspect that your child has ADHD, first eliminate external factors, like diet and parenting style, before you march off to the doctor.

Good Study Habits

Let's face it. Nobody likes to study. Unfortunately we all have to. So why not reduce your study time by doing it right the first time? 

Do you know how much time you are wasting in front of the books because of silly things that could have been avoided?

Habit 1

Make sure your room is light enough when you are studying. Weak lights or studying with a bedside lamp alone will make you secrete more melatonin which will put your brain to sleep. Weak lights = wasted study time.

Habit 2

Drink enough water! Keep a bottle of water on your desk and take regular sips. If you get dehydrated, your brain does not function optimally and you will have trouble concentrating.

Habit 3

Take regular breaks. Do not break in front of the TV or with a book!
Take a walk, play with the dog, dribble a ball, etc. Do something physical and, if the weather permits, preferably go outside. Physical activity will let your brain rest best.
Rest for 10 - 15 min and go back to your books for 30 - 45 min. (30min for Gr.4; 45min for Gr.12)

Habit 4

Music that is faster than 75 bpm will “switch off” your brain, because your heart is beating too fast. This means that you are wasting study time.

(a) Study in silence or listen to calm music without words (words will distract you and you’ll end up singing along instead of learning)
Try classical baroque music or the “Hooked-on-Classics” series.

(b) The radio will also distract you, because you will listen to the announcer and the ads. The music is usually too fast anyway and all have words. Rather switch off the radio and get some good study CD’s

Habit 5

Eat healthy during exam times. Make sure that you follow a balanced diet, especially in exam times.  Don’t be tempted to stock up on sweets and crisps for studying:

(a) They will make your blood sugar rise and drop too quickly, which mean that you’ll get tired quickly and you’ll have trouble concentrating.

It will also speed up dehydration and your brain needs water to work. Remember that you need to drink 3 glasses of water for every glass of soda you drink!

(b) Rather snack on fruit or yoghurt if you have a sweet tooth and drink diluted fruit juice, water or milk. If you want something salty, dip melba toast in hummus or cottage cheese, or couple with fresh herbs or salad.
You (or mom) can also make your own muesli bars. There are many recipes on the internet and they are much healthier than those you can buy in the store.

(c) Recipe: Healthy dip: Mix 250g smooth cottage cheese with lots of fresh chopped chives, 1tsp sweet-chilli sauce, 1tsp lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
Dip any fresh veggies, melba toast or plain pretzels - tastes great!

Habit 6

If you have trouble sitting still, always fidgeting or lose concentration easily, try sitting on a pilates ball instead of a chair. This will help keep your brain alert.

Habit 7

If you are frustrated, irritated or mad, your heart will beat too fast and your brain will “switch off”, resulting in ineffective study time.

(a) If you feel negative, do something physical for 15min

(b) Use positive self talk and tell yourself that even though you don’t like the subject, you need good grades and therefore you need to put your feelings aside and study effectively.

Water of Life

Why is water so important?

Our bodies consists of ±65% water. That is more than half of everything that our bodies are made of. Our brains alone consists of ±78% water.

Water is important because the cells in your body, your metabolism, brain and nervous system need it to function properly.

Without proper hydration your body won’t function optimally. Your brain won’t function as its supposed to because the neurotransmitters in your nervous system will be disrupted.

Imagine a dehydrated child in classroom or exam. He cannot process new information or remember properly. Even while studying children should drink enough water to keep their brains functioning optimally and get the most out of their study time.

Some signs of dehydration are thirst, loss of appetite, dry skin, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness, chills, head rush and headache. Most of these symptoms can be relieved by simply drinking water, even headache!

So how much water is enough?

Many people advise 8 glasses of water per day. While this is a good start, you have to take your size, diet and activity level in consideration.

The rule of thumb is for every 10kg (22lb) you weigh, you have to drink 1 glass of water and then another 2 more glasses.

eg. If you weigh 50kg (110lb) you should drink 5 glasses of water plus 2 = 7 glasses.

If you eat lots of salt, sugar and preservatives, you have to increase your water intake. For every glass of soda you drink (normal or diet), you have to drink an extra 3 glasses of water to replace lost fluids. Yes, sugary drinks causes dehydration!

If you play sports, jog or go to the gym, drink extra water to replenish water lost through sweat and metabolism.

Drink water as clean as possible, without extra additives like tea, coffee or concentrates.

Some people are sensitive to the taste of water while others don't taste anything at all. Personally I don't like the taste of tap water and even some bottled water. I have found that purified water that have been treated with ultra violet tastes crisp, clean and sweet. If you can't stand the taste of water, read the labels on bottled water or paid water dispensers and look for ultra violet sterilization.

Water is part of us, it is all around us and it is mostly free or cheap. By just drinking enough water you can improve your life so much. Teaching your children to drink enough water can improve their lives significantly and may even improve their grades. I'd think giving water a chance is the least one can do.