| Many years ago when my children were of that age I | | | | necessarily perfectly) and it will slow down the |
| organized quite a few parties, I don't remember how | | | | absorption of the sugar in the cakes and ice cream. |
| many. In those days there were no theme parties or | | | | 4. Consider having a carrot cake which provides fiber |
| professional organizers to run children's parties for you. | | | | and carbohydrate to slow the absorption of pure |
| At the time my kids got pretty hyper, they weren't as | | | | sugar or a cream cheese cake which has protein. |
| out of control as some, but, as I knew nothing about | | | | 5. Limit the amount of sugary treats. Give non food |
| ADHD in those days, I was always perplexed about | | | | things as favors or prizes. |
| why mine got so excited while the neighbors could | | | | Social skills |
| handle it so nicely. | | | | Many children with ADHD have difficulty making and |
| Now I know that birthday parties can be a big problem | | | | keeping friends. A birthday party is an opportunity to |
| for children with ADD or ADHD, and also for Moms | | | | practice some basic social skills for being accepted in |
| who have ADD (ADHD). It's a made to order | | | | a group. |
| overwhelm situation. More people, more movement, | | | | 6. Greeting guests. Some children just don't know how |
| more food than any of them are used to. Children who | | | | or forget under the stress of the moment. Rehearse in |
| are hyper can go through the roof and if they are | | | | advance how to greet a guest. Smile, look the guest in |
| hypo they can disappear into space. | | | | the eyes, and say "Hi...... I'm glad you could come, and |
| Here are some tips which could help you have a great | | | | thanks for the present." On the big day, stay near-by |
| birthday party with ADHD whether or not you are | | | | so you can prompt him gently if necessary. |
| having a professional organizer do the work. | | | | 7. Taking turns. If your child has difficulty taking turns |
| Before the party: | | | | explain (maybe for the umpteenth time, repetition does |
| 1. Review the program for the party with your children | | | | get through eventually) why its important to respect |
| before the big day so they know what to expect | | | | the rules of a game. Talk about the game(s) you will |
| when. Children with ADHD can easily get lost when | | | | play during the party. |
| there are many things happening. | | | | 8. Saying goodbye. By the end of the day, he's tired, |
| 2. Have your birthday child draw a timeline for the | | | | you're tired, I wouldn't make a big deal about saying |
| party with pictures to illustrate each event on the | | | | goodbye. Just " So long, thanks, see ya" or what ever |
| program. Post it in the party room and during the party | | | | is the parting expression in your neighborhood. |
| help him stay focused by referring to the time line. | | | | If you have a child who is inclined to be oppositional |
| Food | | | | and knows what to do but does the opposite, tell him |
| Sugar does not cause ADHD, but we do know that a | | | | about Joey the Zebra who has no stripes. You'll find |
| high intake of sugar can aggravate hyperactive | | | | Joey at home on my web site. |
| behavior and even make some kids who are not really | | | | These ideas are not guaranteed and I haven't even |
| ADHD act hyper. | | | | tested them because I didn't know then what I know |
| 3. Serve some protein rich food such as tuna fish | | | | now. They are based on current knowledge of what |
| sandwiches before the ice cream and cake. Protein | | | | works for managing ADHD. If you have some |
| provides food for the brain to function better (not | | | | experiences, pro or con, I'd love to hear about them. |