Why is Parenting My ADHD Child So Hard?

The frustration is real! Your kid is off-the-wall, impulsive, making trouble in school, and keeping your stomach in knots.

Have you ever found yourself asking WHYYYYY?

WHY is parenting soooo hard?

WHY is my kid acting this way?

WHY is he constantly misbehaving?

WHY is she always making bad decisions?

WHY are we all suffering?

It’s time to really understand WHY, because here in lies a lot of hope!

Today our kid’s lifestyles( and ours) are entirely out of balance. Our kids are eating more fast food, more artificial food, more junk, and minimal healthy foods. Lack of variety in their diet, lack of sleep, lack of nature, and lack of exercise are commonplace now. Add to this increased exposure to toxins inside and outside the home, pesticides, and glyphosate. All this is the perfect recipe for disaster. Now our kids have imbalanced immune systems and chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is the WHY.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

Inflammation means “fire inside” and is the natural response of the body’s immune system to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the affected area. While acute inflammation is a normal and necessary response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation is a persistent inflammatory response that can occur internally in the absence of any apparent injury or infection.

Chronic inflammation is like the inflammation switch being stuck in the” on” position.

Chronic inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics. In children, chronic inflammation has been linked to several chronic illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, asthma, allergies, and even obesity. Chronic inflammation is the number one driver of  ADHD and other behavioral disorders.

The constant exposure to triggers causes the inflammatory molecules to go out of control and damage everything in their path.

Your child’s health and behavior are directly connected to inflammation. 

Chronic inflammation disrupts brain chemistry and antagonizes the neurotransmitter, serotonin which causes more inflammation and mood disorders. Chronic inflammation damages healthy tissues, cells, organs, and DNA. It also damages the mitochondria which is the powerhouse of every cell. Inflammation damages gut integrity which creates a whole host of complications.

In short, inflammation is the driver of all the WHYs.

A healthy kid doesn’t have chronic symptoms. He sleeps well and wakes up rested. A healthy child is focused and has great energy. A healthy kid eats a wide variety of healthy foods, foods that are nourishing. He goes to the bathroom with ease at least once a day. A healthy child controls his emotions and is a pleasure to be around.

We all want healthy kids. We want balanced kids. We want kids whose bodies are functioning beautifully not fighting raging inflammation.

So, what do you need to do to get your kiddo balanced?

• Focus on nourishing foods, veggies, proteins, and healthy fats
• Reduce environmental toxins
• Set your child up for restorative sleep
• Reduce stress
• And set yourself up for a balanced life too!

Balanced kids are easier to parent! Putting in the effort to prioritize diet, reduce toxins, reduce stress, and implement good sleep hygiene might seem daunting. But in the long run, life will become a pleasure!