MONTESSORI & TDAH

CHILDREN WHO MOVE AND SQUIRM CONSTANTLY, THOSE WITH STRONGER IMPULSES, THOSE WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION: THESE CHILDREN CHALLENGE US TO ACCOMPANY THEM IN A DIFFERENT WAY.

We know that children with ADHD are sensitive, but many of their curiosities and emotions go unnoticed because we only see their impulses. Asking them to stay still means that all their energy will be spent on staying still. Instead, we should be concentrating on what we really want for them, LEARNING AND GROWING to become fulfilled and happy beings.

So nurture your child's desire to learn. Show him how important he is to you and how much you love him. But above all, be patient with him, because he wants to please the people he loves just like everyone else. 

This experience challenges you to reconsider many of your words and actions. Here are a few examples:

• See your child as curious rather than just distracted and restless. Instead of saying "I want you to sit still", say something like "Are you wondering what I'm doing and would like to join in?
• Find your strengths - Children with ADHD tend to be more sensitive and energetic. 
• Instead of making him feel guilty, by telling him how many times you've already given him this information, or by telling him not to say things a certain way, ask him a question. You could say, "Do you need a break to rest?" And let him take a little walk. You could ask him, "How else could you tell him that you're not happy?"
• Invite him to dance - but only with his shoulders! You can present this as a fun challenge: you'll then be able to point out that he's moving other parts of his body: a game that helps your child learn to channel himself.
• Give her the chance to express herself and get moving - add yoga and stretching to her daily routine, as sport is a way of getting all her energy out.
• Use games that encourage movement and a sensory approach - there are some incredible sensory games that can help keep their minds focused and their bodies still.
• Find something to keep their hands busy! Modellingdough, doing a creative activity or writing. The idea is to channel their energy and encourage concentration!

Maria Montessori said: "Joy, the feeling of one's own worth, of being appreciated and loved by others, of feeling useful and able to produce are all factors of great value to the human soul." Let the more agitated than "normal" child feel appreciated for his energy and curiosity in the same way as the calmer, quieter child!