They are always watching and absorbing. Often times, mom or dad willMemory Plus Program Review get up and down several times after the meal has been served. This needs to stop if you expect the child to sit through the entire meal. Although, your up and down movements are most likely serving a purpose, the child does not recognize that. Families that have a child diagnosed with ADHD may feel pleasant mealtimes are out of reach.
Again, this does not have to be the case. Children with ADHD are especially squirmy and may have a difficult time remaining in their seat throughout an entire meal period, but it can be done. It will probably take some practice at first, but overtime, they will learn to get through the entire meal. A particularly useful skill that can help keep the child entertained is engaging them in an appropriate conversation. As the parent, it is up to you to lead the conversation in a way that will keep the child enthused. Ultimately distracting them from the need to get out of their seat.
Make sure the conversation is at an age appropriate level and revolves around a subject the child can relate to. The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". Mental health is a widely used term that includes a number of mental health disorders.