Relaxation Techniques for Children with Add

Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) exhibit decreased attention spans. They may have difficulty sitting still and skip from one activity to the next. Various relaxation techniques can help focus their attention and address some of these symptoms. Try the following strategies with your child.
According to Empowering Parents, positive imagery can be combined with relaxation techniques like deep breathing in order to help the brain with learning skills. Children should be taught to imagine themselves acting and reacting in positive and productive ways. For instance, many children with ADD find that they cannot focus in class. They may start thinking about other things or talking to the people around them. These children can breathe deeply and imagine that they are behaving in class. By practicing it mentally in their head, they may be able to actually show the positive behavior in real life.
Focused breathing exercises are an excellent activity for children suffering from ADD. They can start by sitting straight in a chair. Breaths should come into the nose and out the mouth. As they breathe slowly they may find themselves slowly relaxing. You can teach your child to do this for a count to ten if he feels like he is having trouble focusing in class or at other times.
Slowly tensing and relaxing muscles can also help in relaxing children who suffer from ADD. They can find a comfortable place in which to sit. Tell the child to tense a part of his or her body for a few seconds. After that he should release it. You can start with the feet first and then slowly make your way up all of their body parts. Children often feel calmer after this exercise.
Guided imagery and meditation can help relax a child with ADD. You can buy a meditation tape or just talk to your child yourself. Tell your child to imagine that he is in a calm place. It may be the beach or just a place where the child feels calm. Tell the child to focus on relaxing and imagine that all of the worry and stress of life has left him. Children can visualize this with metaphors by having them release a balloon that represents the stress in their life.
Massage can be very calming for children, especially those with ADD. If you prefer a professional massage therapist make certain that you find one that is licensed and experienced with young children. You can also purchase a book and learn about child massage to do your child instead. People naturally feel more relaxed as their back, legs and arms are massaged. Your child may even be able to perform some on himself when feeling overwhelmed.
Stretching exercises can be useful for some children with ADD. They may find it calming to stretch their muscles. This may be done in an organized setting such as a yoga class that is age-appropriate.
Because children with ADD have difficulty focusing, they may need activities that can help focus them on a specific task. Art therapy can be effective at this and is enjoyed by many children. It can allow them to explore their creativity in a calm activity. You may choose another activity such as putting together a puzzle.
The power of music is well known. Allow your child to just sit and listen to some calming music. You can choose classical music or soothing sounds. He may start to associate this music with relaxation and use it as a go-to resource for when upset.
As an alternative, purchase some audio files or tapes with soothing sounds. It may be of the ocean, a babbling brook or the sounds of nature. He or she can relax while listening to it.
It is important for children with ADD to try to relax as much as possible. The above strategies may be effective for these children.