Believe it or not, the hobby of gardening is no longer limited to grandmothers and housewives. Due to rising grocery costs and tighter food budgets, more and more people are rediscovering the joys of working with the earth and helping vegetables grow. Even the United States' First Lady Michelle Obama is tending to a garden that grows 55 different kinds of vegetables, which feed the residents and staff of the White house. However, gardening is not just for budget-conscious families. Studies show that this hobby makes a fantastic ADHD natural treatment for kids and teens. Here's why.
Better nutrition
According to a study of elementary and junior high students, researchers observed that kids and teens that tend to a garden at school or at home are more willing to try new foods, are more aware about good nutrition, and eat more vegetables and fruits. As you are probably already aware, many cases of childhood ADHD are triggered by nutritional deficiencies caused by the typical Western diet. While ADHD diets and supplements can replenish some of these lost nutrients, not all children are willing to give up burgers, potato chips, and other processed foods, even if it's just for a couple of weeks. Gardening might make going on an ADHD diet easier; at the very least, it may help your child develop healthier eating habits.
Learn responsibility
Gardens will not flourish without someone to nourish the plants and protect them from pests and nature's wrath. Schools that implemented garden projects discovered that the garden promotes responsibility among students as they accomplish chores and work as a team in a meaningful manner. Students choose the chores and crops they should be responsible for, allowing them to be nurturing caregivers who take pride in their work. If they lose their focus or neglect their responsibilities, they experience the consequences of their action - the plants wither or fail to produce, and food will not grow. Gardening reinforces patience and responsibility in ways that other activities cannot.
Opportunities to socialize
Kids and teens with ADHD aren't always the most popular kids in school, especially if they have little control over their ADHD symptoms. Teachers have observed that gardening brings out a side of ADHD students that don't normally appear in their usual interactions with classmates. Since they now share something in common, those with ADHD have opportunities to spend time with other kids they wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise. The non-competitive, small group environment also teaches positive conflict-resolution skills and the importance of teamwork.
Encourages physical activity
Lack of exercise is another trigger of ADHD; children spend almost 8 hours a day sitting in the classroom, then most of their free time sitting in front of homework, in front of the television, or in front of the computer. This lifestyle gives them little room to release their pent-up energy or to stretch their postural muscles, the brain's largest source of physical stimulation. A garden, however, keeps idle hands busy and requires kids to move around.
For these reasons, talk to your child's school about starting a gardening project, or create space in your backyard for your child's own vegetable garden.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is ADHD.
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