It's important that children have a healthy diet every day.
This is especially important with those children that have ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
This can be compromised if the child is taking prescription medication and their behavior is constantly out of line.
Children that have ADHD cannot focus on one thing, so they have a hard time knowing when they should eat and what they should eat.
Even if they do know, they won't necessarily eat all of their food, if they eat any at all.
They may nibble on some of it, but then they're focusing their attention on something else.
Children with this disorder have so much energy that they don't cater to the meaning of focus.
However, there are things that parents can do to help them have a healthy diet: oMake sure they are getting the three basic meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) each day.
Do not allow them to go in another room or sit in front of the television to eat.
Sitting in front of the television will cause them to focus more on that then what they have on their plate.
oChildren will need snacks, so parents should provide them with those that are healthy.
Things like fresh fruit, celery, carrots, graham crackers and other things will provide them with the nutrients and fiber that they need.
It's OK for them to have juice, as long as it's not a lot and it's given to them during the day.
They should drink more water in the evening as well as during the day.
oInclude snacks that have protein, such as turkey sandwiches, yogurt, or peanut butter sandwiches.
oAllow your children to help prepare the snacks.
Or if they're old enough, they can do it themselves.
Children should play an active role with this, especially since they're eating it.
oRefrain from giving them a lot of sweets.
Sweets have a lot of sugar which can escalate their ADHD behavior.
oIf your children are picky about eating or have food allergies, consult with their pediatrician on what to do.
Monitor how they act after a few days.
If they act worse than they did before the healthy diet change, remove those foods from their diet for a few weeks.
Since this is a process, you'll have to continue monitoring their progress to see which foods work for them.
You can also consult with a dietitian if you need further assistance.