How can touch help children suffering from ADD or aggression problems?

How can touch help children suffering from ADD or aggression problems?

Attention Deficit Disorder in children or ADD as it can be commonly known can be recognised in children who have excessive difficulties with concentrating but do not show the typical symptoms of ADHD such as excessive impulsiveness or hyperactivity.

Typical signs of a child who may be affected are often getting distracted and finding it difficult to organize themselves, forgetfulness, trouble focussing on tasks or instructions, becoming easily distracted, avoiding prolonged activities that require concentration such as homework and trouble listening when spoken to directly. ADD symptoms often show before age 12, are more common in girls then in boys and is often inherited from the parents genes.

Aggressive behaviour however can be caused by a variety of reasons including change such as a new baby, moving home or starting school or it can originate from genetic connections or being a victim of bullying, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, exposure to violence in the media ,a lack of nurturing and care or various substance abuse.

Due to all these aspects touch is so essential to children to not only help them feel loved and safe but also to help them to build confidence within themselves for the relationships they form within and with others. So with this in mind what are some ways that you can incorporate touch into the relationships we have with our children and how can it benefit and strengthen the bonds we already share?

As the saying goes actions speak louder than words so instead of waiting for your child to approach you why not give them a hug or squeeze and do it daily to make them feel loved. If a young child is having a tantrum a hug can diffuse an emotionally charged moment as children can struggle to control and understand their emotions. A hug is not only calming but reassuring and teaches a child that even in difficult times your love and care for them is unconditional.

When you are out with your child hold their hand, in adults this helps to reduce pain and lowers stress and it is no different for children as it can help to reduce stress in the body and brain, therefore improving sleep patterns and promoting emotional wellbeing. The next time you read a child a story invite them to sit on your lap or celebrate achievements and good behaviour with an affectionate rub on the back, kiss on the forehead or touch on the arm. Any form of this platonic touch helps to strengthen the bonds you share and conveys trust . Massage is another form of touch that can be very beneficial especially for children with ADD or tendencies towards aggressive behaviour as due to its soothing nature frustration and anger lessens leading to more restful sleep and therefore improved mood, social interaction and focus.

Even the simple act of playing with a child and interreacting can aid in social and emotional development which can be especially beneficial for children with ADD as they can be impulsive which can affect how they interreact with others in a social environment.

There are many ways to help a child with ADD to focus better and these include recognising potential triggers, planning your day in advance so your child knows what to expect, being positive, setting boundaries but also rewarding good behaviour with incentives and not being afraid to intervene when necessary. It has been proven that teenagers or school age children are less distracted and generally happier and more motivated with their studies as they feel recognised if a simple touch is incorporated which can be something as simple as a gentle pat on the arm to reward good behaviour or to acknowledge achievements.

Although aggression in children can be inborn, a child’s environment will have a huge impact on their social and emotional development , children need to feel safe and cared for and something as simple as a gentle touch can not only diffuse a variety of potentially difficult situations but can also encourage more positive behaviour. Nurturing contact also helps a child to form a more secure and positive bond with their caregiver in addition to diminishing any form of violent or aggressive behaviour.

The benefits of touch are equal for both children and adults alike as it encourages pain and stress relief, strengthens immunity, and of course reduces Stress and Anxiety.

Touch is particularly important for our physical, social and psychological wellbeing and has been proven to particularly help children with ADD and aggression as it helps to decrease neurological disorders that can affect the brain in addition to the central nervous system within the body. This helps to increase focus, whilst reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness. This in turn helps to relieve discomfort in all aspects leading to a better state of health and emotional wellbeing.

Elizabeth Lock Professional Holistic and Cuddle Therapist CTHA

heal@yourinnerglow.co.uk                       https:// yourinnerglow.co.uk

heal@yourcuddletherapy.co.uk                 https:// yourcuddletherapy.co.uk