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Offer food before bed but set end time

Resource Type

Parent Handouts and Info - Parent

Description

Offer food before bed but set end time - Handout for parents of children with ADHD

Ages

All Ages

Age Groups

Preschool/Kindergarten (3-5), School Age (6-12), Adolescence (13-21)

Web Address

http://resources.childhealthcare.org/cocoon/dtw/parent-text/adhd/adhd_before_bed_food.html

Languages

English

Offer Food Before Bed But Set End Time

Offer Food Before Bed But Set End Time

Children taking stimulant medication often have less appetite when the medicine is in effect. It is important to assure that your child gets enough calories over the course of the day, even if he or she does not feel much like eating at lunchtime or even dinner time. Make a healthy snack or even a meal (could be saved from dinner) available right before bedtime. This is especially important if your child is also taking an afternoon dose of medicine to help with homework or evening activities as that dose may reduce dinner appetite, too. Some healthy easy-to- eat snacks include fruit, granola bars, power bars, oatmeal, pizza, Instant Breakfast or Pediasure. This is especially important for children during puberty when calorie needs are very high. Children may figure out how to postpone sleep by asking for food too close to bedtime or asking for food to be prepared that takes a long time. It is crucial to set a firm deadline for when "the kitchen is closed". While your child is getting used to this new plan be sure to actually ask the child to come into the kitchen early enough to eat a bedtime snack even if they say they are not hungry then.

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