The ATA – THE AMERICAN TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION

Children these days are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD at an alarmingly rising rate. Many times, the diagnosis is placed on a child when they are just being a normal child. While this is not the only case, it is important that parents understand that there are better options than giving their children prescription drugs with lasting side effects. These tips should give parents good ideas on how they can help their children through positive parenting techniques and participation in TryATA Karate for Kids training, which can completely change a child’s life.

1. TryATA Karate for Kids can teach a child the life skills that they need to cope with the outside world and develop a strong character.

2. Make sure that your child eats a healthy diet and avoids junk foods for proper nutrition and fuel for the body.

3. By knowing your child, you will be more in tune to his or her needs.

4. Have your child checked for food allergies and change their diet to reflect their health needs.

5. Make sure that your child stays physically active and burns off the excess energy that they have through fun physical activity.

6. Limit both TV and video games.

7. Use music to produce a calming effect in your child.

8. Have your child involved in strong physical and mental education programs.

9. Find your child’s best time of the day for learning and use this time for positive learning opportunities.

10. Be a strong role model for your child and encourage them to find other role models, such as their Martial Arts trainer. This gives them positive role models to look up to.

11. Help your child to channel their excess energy into positive directions.

12. Set short-term goals with your child so that they have improved focus.

13. Let your child know that you are proud of them and that your perception of them is positive.

14. Allow for hands-on learning lessons for your child, where they can see and touch while learning.

15. Encourage your child to be a leader. He or she will be given many opportunities to learn this skill in leading children that are younger than they in Martial Arts training.

16. Avoid yelling and screaming when communicating with your child, as this will only cause them to shut down. Use positive communication instead.

17. Research all of the different types of therapy that are available for your child and find one that works.

18. Have quality family time as often as possible. Choose at least one day a week and allow your child to help make the decision on how the family will spend time together.

19. Get involved in Karate training as a family. This can help the entire family to grow in positive ways and grow closer together. By working as a family, the child’s medication can often be lessened and even stopped altogether.

20. Parents need to educate themselves and learn all that they can to help their ADD/ADHD child.