Summer is here, and if you’re a parent managing ADHD, either for yourself or your kids, you know how disruptive this season can be.
I just had a conversation this morning with another mama about how hard summer can be to navigate the routine changes and all the big emotions for our kids (and us) that come with this.
And, attempting (still unsuccessfully) to juggle my busy work schedule with the chaos of summer camp pick-ups and endlessly watching the weather radar ‘just in case’ we get a call to pick them up early.
UGH. It's a lot. I totally get it.
When is September, again?
The routine shake-up from school ending can be pretty traumatic for our kids AND us parents.
So, I thought I'd connect to let you know more about what makes working with me so unique for you and your family, especially in times like these:
You might be thinking, “I don't need a nutritionist - I know what’s healthy for my family and what’s not.”
Well, actually, I’m not your average nutritionist. I blend my nutrition expertise and many years of experience as an educator with ADHD life coaching, offering a holistic approach that’s tailored specifically for parents like you.
Managing ADHD isn’t just about food; it’s about creating systems, building habits, and finding what works for YOU and your family.
Here’s how I stand out:
My Holistic Approach: We don’t just talk about food. We dive into routines, time management, and strategies to keep your home running smoothly despite the ADHD chaos.
Tailored for Parents and Families: Whether you’re an ADHD parent or a parent with ADHD kids, I understand your unique challenges and tailor our approach to support you in every aspect of life.
When you first reach out, we’ll have a free 20-minute consultation. This is a real conversation about you and your needs.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
Your Goals: What do you want to achieve for yourself and your family?
Current Challenges: Where are you feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed?
Personal Preferences: Any dietary restrictions, favourite foods, or family meal habits?
This helps me create a plan that’s as unique as you are.
Once we decide to team up, here's what you can expect:
Customized Meal Plans: Family-friendly recipes that cater to your tastes and busy schedule.
Mindful & Selective Eating Strategies: Simple techniques to help you and your family develop healthier eating habits without the stress.
ADHD Management Tools: Practical tips to keep you organized, manage your time better, and maintain focus amidst the family hustle.
A Few Tips for Managing ADHD Summer Routines
Even though it’s tempting to let things slide, try to keep a consistent schedule for wake-up times, meals, and bedtimes. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and structure.
When introducing new activities, prepare your child beforehand to reduce anxiety. Talk about what to expect and create a visual or written schedule if needed.
Don’t overschedule or underschedule. Find a balance between structured activities and free time to prevent overwhelm and boredom.
Spend time outdoors. Activities like hiking, swimming, or even gardening can be great for reducing stress and providing physical exercise. Even an after-dinner walk to get ice cream counts!
AND the #1 frustration I hear from parents this time of hear is:
“My kid loses everything at camp.”
This applies to day-camp, overnight camp, half-day camp, or even just hanging out at friend's house for a few hours.
Sound familiar? I have two suggestions:
1. Create Memory Cues
One of the most effective ways to recall a memory is by using a mnemonic device. Create mnemonics with your child, such as a funny acronym or catchy rhyme, that’s easy to recite and will prompt them to recall the things they always seem to forget.
For example, the acronym “BGHB” or the phrase “Bats glide happily with bottles” may help a kid remember to bring home their Bat, Glove, Helmet, and Water Bottle at the end of each day at baseball camp. Ask them to visualize it before they leave in the morning.
Also - in our world of AI - you can find an easy mnemonic device creator at your fingertips (just Google it)!
2. Stop, Look, & Think
Since our kiddos tend to lose their possessions during transitional times, we can teach them to stop, look around, and think about whether they’ve gathered all their belongings before they make their next move.
This can be tricky for children to grasp at first, so it’s important for you to routinely model this behaviour as well as encourage your child to practice it when they lose track of an item in the home.
But - as always, it just takes some patience and practice.
AND - For A Little Extra Summer Fun: I’ve got a free summer hydration recipe collection just for you.
Staying hydrated is key, especially when you’re running around after kiddos. These recipes are both delicious and nutritious.
These recipes are designed to keep you and your family hydrated and energized, perfect for those hot summer days.
Enjoy!
Curious about nutrition for your family?
If you’re looking for support with your family’s health goals regarding mental health, ADHD or fostering a healthy relationship with food, feel free to book in a FREE assessment call so we can chat to see if Holistic Nutrition is a good fit for your family!
Amy Jones
BA Hons, BEd, RHN, CNE, OCT
Care-Informed & Health At Every Size® Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Certified ADHD Coach Candidate (iACT)
Canadian School Of Natural Nutrition Instructor
Metabolic Balance® Coach
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