He’s tired, grouchy, and hungry. His meds are wearing off and school just ended, so he’s headed your way! Quick, here’s how to stop your child’s meltdowns before they begin.
ADHD Children playing with each other and avoiding meltdowns.
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Why It's the Witching Hour (or Two)
We parents know that it’s a roller-coaster ride from the time our kids with ADHD get home from school or camp until they go to bed. That shouldn’t be surprising. Kids walk through the door mentally exhausted, physically edgy, and starving. What’s more, their medication has usually worn off, causing their attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) symptoms to return with a vengeance. Here, an expert offers her six best strategies for surviving the afternoon angst.
A girl with ADHD draws after school instead of having a meltdown.
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Avoid Over-Scheduling
Don’t over-schedule your child with afternoon activities. Kids with attention deficit work at least twice as hard as their peers without ADHD and need about twice as much downtime. Try setting up a space for your child to calm down in when she gets overly stressed. Outfit the room with activities and games she can quietly play with on her own — such as jigsaw puzzles, video games, and books to read.
A mom runs errands with her child with ADHD, and hopes to avoid a meltdown in the store.
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Save the Errands for Later
Since moodiness, irritability, anger, and defiance are common in kids with ADHD who are tired and hungry, don’t force your child to accompany you on errands right when he gets home. Running errands will only tire your child out more. If you have to go out, spending the money to hire an ADHD-friendly babysitter is a better option than dragging your child along with you.
A dad plays outside with his daughter with ADHD to expend extra energy and avoid a meltdown.
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Take It Outside
Set aside time for physical activity. Not only does getting outdoors and moving around release tension and hyperactivity, it also increases neurotransmitters in the brain, allowing your child with ADHD to sustain mental focus for longer periods of time. Suggest that your child rake the leaves, ride a bike, go swimming, or take a walk in the park when she gets home in the afternoon.
A girl with ADHD takes an afternoon dose of medication to avoid an afterschool meltdown.
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Consider an Afternoon Dose of Meds
Talk with your child's doctor about giving him an afternoon dose of ADHD medication. Many children benefit from a second dose, which helps them focus and stay calm during the second half of the day. Remember, no child likes to feel out of control.
A boy eats a turkey drumstick, a high-protein snack that can help control symptoms and avoid a meltdown.
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Pile On the Protein
Watch what your child snacks on in the afternoon. Foods rich in protein will help balance a child’s mood better than foods high in simple carbohydrates. Sticking with complex carbohydrates will also help to avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Consider an early dinner if your child with ADHD just can’t wait for the family meal.
A tutor helps a student with ADHD work on homework.
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Hire a Tutor
During the school year, consider hiring a tutor or a high school student to help your child with homework. A non-family member is usually a better homework helper than parents, who may quickly butt heads with their child.
A mom kisses her daughter with ADHD on the cheek.
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Be Supportive
Be realistic about your expectations and don’t compare your child with his siblings who don't have ADHD. Remember that children with ADHD need positive reinforcement, even on tough days. Acknowledge the accomplishments he made that day, large and small.
