Did you know that Kids with ADHD have twice the risk of…

Injuries... Kids with ADHD have TWO TIMES the risk for injuries and fractures when compared to kids without ADHD

My son Ryan is a prime example. All before the age of 10, Ryan…fell backwards from a picnic table (requiring stitches in the back of his head), fell out of his chair at school (resulting in several stitches to his right eyebrow), broke his arm at his very first attempt skateboarding and then months later broke his toe. My younger son, Colin, who does not have ADHD and is now 10, has yet to visit an urgent care for an injury (knock on wood). But not every kid with ADHD will experience injuries. And not every accident prone kid will have ADHD. So how is this helpful to you? This is a symptom that provides you with HOW to support your child! Children experience injuries because they are still developing SKILLS like coordination, impulse control, and attention. And we know that in order to practice and build these skills, they need to practice them…which can further increase their risk of injury (queue the scary music). So what’s a mom to do? If you notice a lack of coordination or impulse control control in your child consider this… First - Just ACKNOWLEDGE the risk. Lack of coordination combined with lack of impulse control is a real challenge and you simply cannot wrap them in bubble wrap to prevent anything from ever happening. Second - Control what is really in your control. Helmet (check), knee pads (check), knowledge of the location of the nearest urgent care (check). Last - If something does happen…stay focused on their courage, bravery and patience in managing through the ordeal. (Not pointing out their impulsivity and lack of attention to their surroundings - they already feel bad enough.) Don’t make it their fault! So hopefully this "symptom" is not one you see in your child, but if it is…take comfort in knowing you are NOT ALONE! Persist! Angel McKim P.S. I get my email ideas from talking to YOU! Drop me an email and let me know your biggest challenge right now! (Because one thing has become very clear…you are NOT alone…and you are not the only one facing the same challenge!)

*This is an intervention using the top of the ADHD Hierarchy of Needs. Skills = Coordination, Impulse Control Tools = Helpful language, Exercise Support = Parent