WHY DOES GOD ALLOW PEOPLE TO SUFFER? Why Does God Allow People To Suffer? The Bible tells us in Revelation 21:4 that there is coming a time when all sorrow, tears, pain and death will pass away. There's coming a wonderful day when God will wipe away all tears from the eyes of His children, and our sorrow will end forever. Dear reader, I hope you are a Christian, so you too may claim this blessed promise that God has made to those who have come to know Him through His beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. There's a great day coming for those who have been saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, for this present time, we must face the undeniable fact that people do suffer. That's a fact of life. You can find sickness, sorrow, and suffering in all walks of life. It's everywhere you look. This very moment you can probably think of someone very close to you who is suffering greatly, and it just doesn't seem fair. Why does God allow it to happen? Does God even care? If God is so good and holy, then why doesn't He put an end to all suffering and pain? Keep reading, for there is a reason.

The Beginning of Suffering and Sorrow There was a time on this earth when suffering and sorrow did not exist. When God first created man upon the earth, everything was perfect. There was no sickness, no pain, no sorrow of any kind. It was God's plan for man to live in peace and harmony never having to experience sorrow. According to Genesis chapter three, it wasn't until man chose the way of Satan, rather than the way of God, that sorrow entered the world. Man sins against God in Genesis 3:6-7, and God reveals to Adam and Eve the consequences of sin in Genesis 3:16-19. God told Adam and Eve that they would now experience SORROW and DEATH. Therefore, the suffering and sorrow that you and I face today is not the work of an unjust God; it's the consequences of sin. We suffer because we are sinners. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Friend, we suffer and die because of SIN. You say, "I didn't do anything wrong.

Why am I a sinner?" We are all born with a sin nature. We inherited our fallen sin nature from Adam and Eve. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" We read in Romans 3:23 that ALL HAVE SINNED and come short of the glory of God. Why do we suffer? We suffer because we are sinners by nature. Some People Suffer for the Salvation of Lost Souls Perhaps you are thinking, "Well, what's the point? What does God accomplish by allowing us to suffer?" Very simple: He's trying to tell us something. By allowing people to suffer, God is showing us that SOMETHING IS WRONG. If everything were alright between man and God, then there would be no sorrow and death, because in the beginning there was none. God is showing you every day of your life that man has been SEPARATED from Him because of sin, and that man is destined to an eternity in Hell Fire unless he comes to God for help.

The fact that God allows suffering and agony today proves that He will allow it in eternity as well. God doesn't ENJOY seeing anyone suffer, but He does ALLOW people to suffer for various reasons. If you've never received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then God wants you to see your need to do so. Sometimes God has to allow tragedy to enter a life in order to get someone to look to Him for Salvation. As someone has said, "Some people won't look up to God until He puts them on their back." This is sad, but true. There are many people who would still be lost in their sins if God had not brought some tragedy into their life to get their attention. Do you suppose the leper of Matthew 8:2 would have came to Jesus if he'd been in perfect health? What about the blind man of Luke 18:35? II Kings chapter five tells the story of Naman, the Syrian captain who had leprosy. Had this man not had leprosy, he would never have turned to God. The Bible is filled with cases where God reaches people through suffering.

Nebuchadnezzar didn't fear God until God humbled him by making his spend seven years of his life on his hands and knees like an animal (Dan. 4:30-37). Sometimes He will even use the tragedy of one to bring OTHERS to Christ. Such is the case with Lazarus in John chapter eleven. Lazarus was very sick, but before he ever died Jesus said that his sickness was "for the glory of God" (Jn. 11:2-4). Later, in John 11:45, we read that ". . . . many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him." We also read in John 12:11 that many believed on the Lord Jesus Christ BECAUSE OF LAZARUS. Had Lazarus not suffered and died, these people may never have come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. You see, God was in complete control. Jesus KNEW that Lazarus was sick, but He chose not to go and heal him (Jn. 11:6). He had a REASON for the sorrow and death in the family of Lazarus. No one suffers in vain.

God always has a reason, and sometimes He is trying to show someone their need to receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Could this be true in your own life? Think about it. Could the Lord be convicting you of the fact that you are a sinner, and you need to be saved? Some Christians Suffer Because of the Chastisement of God As a Christian, it is my duty to live a Christ-honoring and obedient life before God. If I become disobedient, the Bible says that my Heavenly Father will rebuke and chasten me (To "chasten" is to punish or correct for moral improvement.) Revelation 3:19 says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." Notice these important words from Hebrews 12:6-8: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Just as any responsible father disciplines his children when they become disobedient, God disciplines His children. Paul says in I Corinthians 11:31-32 that we can often avoid God's chastisement by JUDGING OURSELVES instead of ignoring our sins, thus forcing God to judge us. Addressing Christians, John tells us that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I Jn. 1:9) It is my Christian responsibility to do my very best to live a sinless life, but when I do sin I must repent and CONFESS my sins to God. If I choose not to do so, then I am being a disobedient child, and my Heavenly Father will rebuke and chasten me. Sad as it may be, many Christians are going through tragedy today because they refuse to confess their sins to the Lord and repent.

Some Christians Suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ II Timothy 3:12 says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Then II Timothy 2:12 says, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him..." Jesus said, ". . . . If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Lk. 9:23) When a Christian chooses to deny himself and follow Christ, he (or she) chooses to suffer for the Lord. The world has always found a way to persecute God's people, and we should not be surprised when persecution arises. Jesus suffered for us, and we should count it an honor to suffer for Him. In Acts 5:41 the Apostles REJOICED that they were counted worthy to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus said that we SHOULD rejoice when we suffer for His sake, because GREAT is our reward in Heaven (Mt. 5:12).

I Peter 2:19-21 tells us that it is our duty to follow our Lord's example in suffering, and I Peter 4:12-16 tells us to be happy when we suffer for Christ, and it tells us not to be ashamed. Some people are going through hard times today because, like Moses, they CHOSE to suffer affliction with the people of God, instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:25). Such people may appear to have gotten an unfair deal from God, but the Bible says they are truly blessed, for they have many treasures laid up for them in heaven (Mt. 6:19-21; I Cor. 3:11-15). Romans 8:18 says, "For I recon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." We read in I Peter 5:10 that our suffering in this present world is only for "a while." Are you willing to bear your cross for the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you have any treasures in Heaven? Are you willing to suffer for the Lord?

God Teaches Us Vauable Lessons Through Suffering Not all suffering Christians are disobedient Christians. There are many very dear Christians who go through great agony every day, yet they are some of sweetest and most God-fearing saints you'll ever meet. Why does God allow them to suffer? There are many reasons. One reason is humility. If we believed some of the popular "Faith Healers" of our day, we'd believe that people suffer because they lack faith in God, but this isn't necessarily true. The Apostle Paul didn't live in sin and he didn't lack faith in God, but he DID have to suffer. Why? He tells us why in II Corinthians 12:7: "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." Whatever this thorn in the flesh was, verses eight and nine tell us that God chose NOT to take it from Paul. Instead, He chose to give Paul the GRACE to bear the burden.

God used this problem in Paul's life to help keep him humble, to keep him from being exalted above measure. Sometimes God sees the need to put us through some things for the purpose of making us stronger. Paul tells us in II Timothy 2:3 to, ". . . . endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." You know, many times a drill sergeant will put a soldier through some things just to make him tough, just to see how much he's willing to take--how dedicated he is. There may not seem to be any logical reason for the trouble that we often face, but God always has a reason. Sometimes He's just trying to make us tougher. According to Galatians 5:22, a Spirit-filled Christian is supposed to be LONGSUFFERING. Are you longsuffering? Are you willing to "tough it out" for the Lord? God will also use suffering to teach us patience. Romans 5:3 tells us that, ". . . . tribulation worketh patience. . . " Remember Job? God allowed Satan to take Job's oxen, his asses, his sheep, his camels, his servants, his children, and even his health.

Yet, the Bible says, ". . . . In all this did not Job sin with his lips." (Job 2:10) In the latter end God restored to Job TWICE as much as he originally had (Job 42:10). Are you willing to trust God and patiently wait for His deliverance when trouble comes your way? Some people suffer so that they will be better equipped to comfort others in their suffering (II Cor. 1:3-4). It's always a blessing to know someone who has gone through the same troubles that you are going through, for they usually have some helpful words of comfort and wisdom. Are you going through some pretty tough times? Maybe the Lord is giving you the experience that you'll need to help someone else later. Friend, as you can see, there are a number of reasons why God allows people to suffer. He always knows what is best, and He never makes a mistake. David said, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes." (Psa.

119:71) The Apostle Paul, one who suffered greatly, said these words in Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." He also said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philip. 4:13) The Lord Jesus Christ suffered for us all, that we might have eternal life. The curse of suffering and death entered this world because of sin, but we can escape the curse through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said, ". . . . I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (Jn. 14:6) There is coming a day when all suffering will end for those who know the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. Revelation 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior?

The Bible says that you can receive Christ by BELIEVING on His name (Jn. 1:12). He paid for your sins, and by CLAIMING Him as your Savior--resting in His finished Blood Atonement for your sins--you can be saved! Romans 4:5 says, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Ephesians 2:8-9 says that you are saved by GRACE THROUGH FAITH, not by your works. God is not wanting you to do good works to get to Heaven, for there is none that doeth good (Rom. 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Rom. 3:23) You do not need God to judge your good deeds and your evil deeds; you need a SAVIOR to save you from your sins. Jesus Christ is the Savior. If you'll call upon Him for Salvation, trusting Him Alone to save you, He'll save you and give you eternal life. It's that simple.

"For if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Rom. 10:9) Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Why not call upon Him right now? Tomorrow may be too late. If you need more information about Salvation through Christ, please send for a free copy of Understanding God's Salvation Plan. Today, around 21,000 children died around the world — Global Issues Back to top Why is this tragedy not in the headlines? Back in 2000, UNICEF’s Progress of Nations report for that year tried to put these numbers into some perspective: The continuation of this suffering and loss of life contravenes the natural human instinct to help in times of disaster. Imagine the horror of the world if a major earthquake were to occur and people stood by and watched without assisting the survivors! Yet every day, the equivalent of a major earthquake killing over 30,000 young children occurs to a disturbingly muted response.

They die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death. A spotty scorecard , UNICEF, Progress of Nations 2000 Unfortunately, it seems that the world still does not notice. It might be reasonable to expect that death and tragedy on this scale should be prime time headlines news. Yet, these issues only surface when there are global meetings or concerts (such as the various G8 summits, the Make Poverty History campaign in 2005, etc). Images © UNICEF Furthermore, year after year, we witness that when those campaigns end and the meetings conclude, so does the mainstream media coverage. It feels as though even when there is some media attention, the ones who suffer are not the ones that compel the mainstream to report, but instead it is the movement of the celebrities and leaders of the wealthy countries that makes this issue newsworthy. Even rarer in the mainstream media is any thought that wealthy countries may be part of the problem too. The effects of international policies such as structural adjustments , the current form of globalization , and the on these processes is rarely looked at.

Instead, promises and pledges from the wealthy, powerful countries, and the corruption of the poorer ones — who receive apparently abundant goodwill — make the headlines; the repeated broken promises, the low quality and quantity of aid , and conditions with unfair strings attached do not. Accountability of the recipient countries is often mentioned when these issues touch the mainstream. Accountability of the roles that international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, and their funders (the wealthy/powerful countries), rarely does. The risk is that citizens of these countries get a false sense of hope creating the misleading impression that appropriate action is taken in their names. It may be harsh to say the mainstream media is one of the many causes of poverty, as such, but the point here is that their influence is enormous. Silence, as well as noise, can both have an effect. Back to top Recent headlines in context When this page was initially written, the BBC’s top story on prime time television was about a British child kidnapped in Portugal. This is definitely a tragic story that needs reporting, but why, for the BBC and other British media outlets that pride themselves in outstanding international media coverage, is the plight of millions of children not daily headlines?

Another recent tragedy that sustained days of headline and prime time media coverage was the Virginia Tech massacre’s in the US. When media critics at Media Lens asked for the BBC’s rationale for such sustained coverage compared to more people dying each day in Iraq and receiving just a few minutes in comparison, the BBC responded that it happens every day in Iraq. See Putting Virginia Tech in Perspective for the follow up from Media Lens . Investing in world's poorest children can save millions of lives , UN study finds, UN, September 7, 2010 Some people fear there will be fatigue at hearing those depressing stories all the time, or the advertisers will pressure the media companies to put a bit more entertainment or good news on so that buying moods are not affected. And does it have to be just bad news? Despite the tragedy, there is some measure of progress, which, perhaps with further public attention, could spur on more efforts in these areas and highlight important related issues. However, news of tragedies in Iraq are also depressing, but nevertheless do received regular headline coverage. Also there is worry that the lack of sensationalism attached to reporting the same news story each day will result in lower television viewing ratings and this may have various consequences—especially where advertising is concerned.

Finally there is the question of whether people want to hear about such depressing news stories. After all the media feels it is delivering what its viewers would like. However, it is difficult for people to know what they do or do not want to see, if they are never given the options of the alternatives. If the magnitude of this suffering is hardly reported in a sustained manner, how can viewers judge whether they wish to watch it or not? About Child Deaths Of the 7.6 million child deaths (under-5s) in 2010, the vast majority occurred in just two regions: Breaking that down further, Back to top Cautious optimism in reducing child mortality UNICEF also notes that the global child mortality rate declined by over a third between 1990 and 2010: Significant declines in under-five mortality rates between 1990 and 2009 in all regions, Child Survival and Health , ChildInfo, UNICEF, September 2010. Progress has certainly been made as each year the number of children under 5 dying is slowly coming down.

However, as UNICEF cautioned in their State of the World’s Children, 2008 report, progress has been unevenly distributed (p.25). For example, good progress was made by a few nations with large populations, but many countries made no progress or insufficient progress (p.iii) Notes and Sources Sources for child deaths These mortality figures are from UNICEF . 92 million covers deaths between 2000 and 2010, the latest figures from UNICEF at time of writing. The term Children in this context means infants under the age of 5. The tragedy is therefore even worse if older children, adults, and the elderly are to be considered. The approximate number of deaths in those 10 years is calculated by averaging the deaths per year for known figures in that range and multiplying by the 11 years that cover 2000-2010, which gives a total of 92 million deaths. Given the population is increasing, the percent of deaths being reduced over those 11 years seems small (0.16% of world population in 2000 and 0.11% of population in 2010).

In a way, this feels like a very small reduction given that many of the illnesses and conditions that children suffer are easily preventable, technically. Taking a longer term view, since 1960 (when child mortality numbers were first being recorded) the annual number of child deaths has more than halved, from around 20 million in 1960 to just 7.6 million in 2010. The rate of reduction varies by region, with poorer regions having higher child mortality rates, though all regions are seeing a reduction as the years go by: In addition, given the population in 1960 was 3 billion whereas 2010 was about 6.8 billion this means that there has been a six-fold improvement in saving lives of children from a percentage basis. That is, although population has increased (a lot), the number of child deaths has reduced even more. Explanation for six-fold saving ADHD in Kids: Symptoms, Types and Tests for ADD in Children 3 Types of ADHD in Children Doctors may classify symptoms as the following types of ADHD : Combined type (inattentive/hyperactive/impulsive). Children with this type of ADHD show all three symptoms.

This is the most common form of ADHD. Hyperactive/impulsive type. Children show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but for the most part, they are able to pay attention. Inattentive type. Formerly called attention deficit disorder (ADD). These children are not overly active. They do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, so their symptoms might not be noticed. Continued ADHD Treatment Overview Treatment plans may include special education programs, psychological intervention, and drug treatment. Learn as much as you can about the options and talk them over with your child's health care provider so you can make the best plan for your child. Studies show that long-term treatment with a combination of medications and behavioral therapy is much better than just medication treatment, or no specific treatments in managing hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and symptoms of anxiety and depression . Those kids treated with both ADHD drugs and therapy also had better social skills. Drugs for Childhood ADHD A class of drugs called psychostimulants (or sometimes just stimulants) is a highly effective treatment for childhood ADHD.

These medicines, including Adderall , Adzenys XR-ODT , Vyvanse , Concerta , Focalin , Daytrana , Ritalin , and Quillivant XR, help children focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Another treatment used to treat ADHD in kids is nonstimulant medication. These medications include Intuniv , Kapvay, and Strattera . ADHD medicines are available in short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. It may take some time for a doctor to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for someone with ADHD. ADHD drugs sometimes have side effects, but these tend to happen early in treatment. Usually, side effects are mild and don't last long. Behavioral Treatments for Children With ADHD Behavioral treatment for children with ADHD includes creating more structure, encouraging routines, and clearly stating expectations of the child. Other forms of ADHD treatment that may benefit your child include: Social skills training. This can help a child with ADHD learn behaviors that will help them develop and maintain social relationships . Support groups and parenting skills training. This includes support for the parents and helping them learn more about ADHD and how to parent a child who has ADHD.

What Treatment Is Best for My Child? No single treatment is the answer for every child with ADHD. Each child's needs and personal history must be carefully considered. For example, a child may have undesirable side effects to a medication, making a particular treatment unacceptable. If a child with ADHD also has anxiety or depression , a treatment combining medication and behavioral therapy might be best. It's important to work with a doctor to find the best solution for your child. Continued The ADHD Coach Coaching is a relatively new field in the treatment of ADHD in children. ADHD coaches are meant to help children achieve better results in different areas of their lives by setting goals and helping the child find ways to reach them. A child, however, must be mature and motivated enough to work with a coach. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Smitha Bhandari, MD on June 12, 2016 Sources ADHD or ADD in Children: Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in Kids ADHD or ADD in Children Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in Kids It’s normal for children to occasionally forget their homework, daydream during class, act without thinking, or get fidgety at the dinner table.

But inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are also signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). ADHD can lead to problems at home and school and affect your child’s ability to learn and get along with others. The first step to addressing the problem and getting your child the help he or she needs is to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD. What you can do Don’t wait for a diagnosis—start addressing your child’s symptoms today Regularly get up and get moving with your child Establish structure and consistent daily routines at home Learn how your child’s diet can affect ADHD symptoms Ensure your child gets enough restful sleep Talk to your child’s teachers about managing symptoms at school Seek face-to-face support from family and friends What is ADHD or ADD? We all know kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them, or who blurt out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times. Sometimes these children are labeled as troublemakers, or criticized for being lazy and undisciplined. However, they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD.

ADHD makes it difficult for people to inhibit their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness. Is it normal kid behavior or is it ADHD? The signs and symptoms of ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal “kid behavior.” If you spot just a few signs, or the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. On the other hand, if your child shows a number of ADHD signs and symptoms that are present across all situations—at home, at school, and at play—it’s time to take a closer look. Once you understand the issues your child is struggling with, such as forgetfulness or difficulty paying attention in school, you can work together to find creative solutions and capitalize on strengths. Myths & Facts about Attention Deficit Disorder Myth: All kids with ADHD are hyperactive. Fact: Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, but many others with attention problems are not. Children with ADHD who are inattentive, but not overly active, may appear to be spacey and unmotivated. Myth: Kids with ADHD can never pay attention. Fact: Children with ADHD are often able to concentrate on activities they enjoy.

But no matter how hard they try, they have trouble maintaining focus when the task at hand is boring or repetitive. Myth: Kids with ADHD could behave better if they wanted to. Fact: Children with ADHD may do their best to be good, but still be unable to sit still, stay quiet, or pay attention. They may appear disobedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting out on purpose. Myth: Kids will eventually grow out of ADHD. Fact: ADHD often continues into adulthood, so don’t wait for your child to outgrow the problem. Treatment can help your child learn to manage and minimize the symptoms. Myth: Medication is the best treatment option for ADHD. Fact: Medication is often prescribed for attention deficit disorder, but it might not be the best option for your child. Effective treatment for ADHD also includes education, behavior therapy, support at home and school, exercise, and proper nutrition. The primary characteristics of ADHD When many people think of attention deficit disorder, they picture an out-of-control kid in constant motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting everyone around. But this is not the only possible picture. Some children with ADHD are hyperactive, while others sit quietly—with their attention miles away.

Some put too much focus on a task and have trouble shifting it to something else. Others are only mildly inattentive, but overly impulsive. The three primary characteristics of ADHD The three primary characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The signs and symptoms a child with attention deficit disorder has depends on which characteristics predominate. Which one of these children may have ADHD? The hyperactive boy who talks nonstop and can’t sit still. The quiet dreamer who sits at her desk and stares off into space. Both A and B The correct answer is “C.” Children with ADHD may be: Inattentive, but not hyperactive or impulsive. Hyperactive and impulsive, but able to pay attention. Inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive (the most common form of ADHD). Children who only have inattentive symptoms of ADHD are often overlooked, since they’re not disruptive. However, the symptoms of inattention have consequences: getting in hot water with parents and teachers for not following directions; underperforming in school; or clashing with other kids over not playing by the rules.

Spotting ADHD at different ages Because we expect very young children to be easily distractible and hyperactive, it’s the impulsive behaviors—the dangerous climb, the blurted insult—that often stand out in preschoolers with ADHD. By age four or five, though, most children have learned how to pay attention to others, to sit quietly when instructed to, and not to say everything that pops into their heads. So by the time children reach school age, those with ADHD stand out in all three behaviors: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattentiveness signs and symptoms of ADHD It isn’t that children with ADHD can’t pay attention: when they’re doing things they enjoy or hearing about topics in which they’re interested, they have no trouble focusing and staying on task. But when the task is repetitive or boring, they quickly tune out. Staying on track is another common problem. Children with ADHD often bounce from task to task without completing any of them, or skip necessary steps in procedures. Organizing their schoolwork and their time is harder for them than it is for most children. Kids with ADHD also have trouble concentrating if there are things going on around them; they usually need a calm, quiet environment in order to stay focused.

Symptoms of inattention in children: Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted or gets bored with a task before it’s completed Appears not to listen when spoken to Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions; doesn’t pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items Hyperactivity signs and symptoms of ADHD The most obvious sign of ADHD is hyperactivity. While many children are naturally quite active, kids with hyperactive symptoms of attention deficit disorder are always moving. They may try to do several things at once, bouncing around from one activity to the next. Even when forced to sit still which can be very difficult for them their foot is tapping, their leg is shaking, or their fingers are drumming. Symptoms of hyperactivity in children: Constantly fidgets and squirms Has difficulty sitting still, playing quietly, or relaxing Moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately Talks excessively May have a quick temper or “short fuse” Impulsive signs and symptoms of ADHD The impulsivity of children with ADHD can cause problems with self-control.

Because they censor themselves less than other kids do, they’ll interrupt conversations, invade other people’s space, ask irrelevant questions in class, make tactless observations, and ask overly personal questions. Instructions like “Be patient” and “Just wait a little while” are twice as hard for children with ADHD to follow as they are for other youngsters. Children with impulsive signs and symptoms of ADHD also tend to be moody and to overreact emotionally. As a result, others may start to view the child as disrespectful, weird, or needy. Symptoms of impulsivity in children: Acts without thinking Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem or blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games Often interrupts others; says the wrong thing at the wrong time Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums Is it really ADHD? Just because a child has symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity does not mean that he or she has ADHD. Certain medical conditions, psychological disorders, and stressful life events can cause symptoms that look like ADHD.

Before an accurate diagnosis of ADHD can be made, it is important that you see a mental health professional to explore and rule out the following possibilities: Learning disabilities or problems with reading, writing, motor skills, or language. Major life events or traumatic experiences (e.g. a recent move, death of a loved one, bullying, divorce). Psychological disorders including anxiety , depression , and bipolar disorder . Behavioral disorders such as conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Medical conditions, including thyroid problems, neurological conditions, epilepsy, and sleep disorders. A learning disability may be mistaken for ADHD Think your child has attention deficit disorder? Sometimes, kids who are having trouble in school are incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD, when what they really have is a learning disability. Furthermore, many kids struggle with both ADHD and a learning disability. See: Learning Disabilities and Disorders Positive effects of ADHD in children In addition to the challenges, there are also positive traits associated with people who have attention deficit disorder: Creativity – Children who have ADHD can be marvelously creative and imaginative. The child who daydreams and has ten different thoughts at once can become a master problem-solver, a fountain of ideas, or an inventive artist.

Children with ADHD may be easily distracted, but sometimes they notice what others don’t see. Flexibility – Because children with ADHD consider a lot of options at once, they don’t become set on one alternative early on and are more open to different ideas. Enthusiasm and spontaneity – Children with ADHD are rarely boring! They’re interested in a lot of different things and have lively personalities. In short, if they’re not exasperating you (and sometimes even when they are), they’re a lot of fun to be with. Energy and drive – When kids with ADHD are motivated, they work or play hard and strive to succeed. It actually may be difficult to distract them from a task that interests them, especially if the activity is interactive or hands-on. Keep in mind, too, that ADHD has nothing to do with intelligence or talent. Many children with ADHD are intellectually or artistically gifted. Helping a child with ADHD Whether or not your child’s symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are due to ADHD, they can cause many problems if left untreated. Children who can’t focus and control themselves may struggle in school, get into frequent trouble, and find it hard to get along with others or make friends.

These frustrations and difficulties can lead to low self-esteem as well as friction and stress for the whole family. But treatment can make a dramatic difference in your child’s symptoms. With the right support, your child can get on track for success in all areas of life. Don’t wait to get help for your child If your child struggles with symptoms that look like ADHD, don’t wait to seek professional help. You can treat your child’s symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity without having a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder. Options to start with include getting your child into therapy, implementing a better diet and exercise plan, and modifying the home environment to minimize distractions. If you do receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you can then work with your child’s doctor, therapist, and school to make a personalized treatment plan that meets his or her specific needs. Effective treatment for childhood ADHD involves behavioral therapy, parent education and training, social support, and assistance at school. Medication may also be used, however, it should never be the sole attention deficit disorder treatment.

Parenting tips for children with ADHD If your child is hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive, it may take a lot of energy to get him or her to listen, finish a task, or sit still. The constant monitoring can be frustrating and exhausting. Sometimes you may feel like your child is running the show. But there are steps you can take to regain control of the situation, while simultaneously helping your child make the most of his or her abilities. While attention deficit disorder is not caused by bad parenting, there are effective parenting strategies that can go a long way to correct problem behaviors. Children with ADHD need structure, consistency, clear communication, and rewards and consequences for their behavior. They also need lots of love, support, and encouragement.

Question: Some children suffer from ADD – what is this?
Answer: Attention Deficit Disorder