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Information about local food banks, food parcels and charities.

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Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) - Brighter Futures For Children

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The HAF programme provides holiday activities for children eligible for pupil premium free school meals in Reading, offering fun activities & delicious meals over Christmas, Easter & Summer.

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Each dot on the map has more details about the service on offer. The map shows:

Blue dots are open to anyone in the community

Green dots require a referral, more information on how to get a referral below

SHARE Wokingham

SHARE Wokingham offers fresh produce, like bread and vegetables, for those who need it. These are surplus stock from local supermarkets.

Each week SHARE helps over 2000 people in our local community who need support with food by redistributing an incredible 40 tonnes of food from local supermarkets and food suppliers that would otherwise go to waste.

Open to all, no referral needed.

Arborfield

Royal British Legion, Eversley Road, RG2 9PR Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm on the following dates:

Bracknell

St Andrews Church, Priestwood Court Road (RG42 1TU)

Great Hollands, The Zone, Great Hollands Square, Bracknell (RG12 8UX)

Earley

Brookside Church, Earley, (RG6 7HG)

Wednesday, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, doors open 5pm, free hot drink and cake available

Finchampstead

FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North, Finchampstead (RG40 4ES)

Tuesday, opens at 10am aim to arrive before 10am for the best choice of food

Shinfield

Shinfield Community Church, 1 Fairmead Road, Shinfield (RG2 9DL)

Monday, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, free cafe until 2pm

South Ascot

All Soul's Church, All Souls' Rd, Ascot (SL5 9EA)

Friday, tea and coffee from 12.15pm, foodbank open 1pm to 2pm

Sunningdale

Hope Church, The Hope Centre, High Street (SL5 0NG), next to Nag's Head Pub

Tuesday, 12noon to 1pm, tea/coffee from 11:15am

Winnersh

Rainbow Centre, Rainbow Park (RG41 5SG)

Wednesday, 1pm to 2pm, park in Centre Car Park

Wokingham

Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue (RG40 1UU)

The Well at King's Church, 9 Station Road (RG40 2AD)

Woodley

Emmanuel Church Centre, Southlake Crescent (RG5 3QW)

Foodbanks

These provide emergency food and support to people locally. You'll usually need a referral.

Lunch clubs are run in different parts of the area at certain times:

If you use the Salvation Army or Kaleidoscopic UK locally, they can also help with food. To see all these resources in one place, see our directory.

Apps for end of day food

Try the OLIO app, which connects neighbours with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away

Try the Too Good to Go app, Surprise Bags of food from local restaurants, grocery stores, cafés, and shops. Stops it going to waste if it hasn't been sold

Referrals

Accessing lots of these services needs a referral.

You can get a referral from our teams who you may work with already such as housing teams, social workers, children's services or benefits.

You can also get referrals from your child's school and local charities or voluntary groups you already work with.

Citizens Advice Wokingham may also be able to provide a referral. Call 0808 278 7958, Monday to Friday.

Roots Community Store

Roots Community Store opened as a pilot in February 2024. It's now supporting dozens of households in the borough.

It provides fresh foods, canned/dried goods and other household essentials. It will create new and innovative ways for residents to access low cost, healthy food.

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Welcome to Wokingham Borough Council website - giving you access to services and information we provide for residents, businesses and visitors

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Activities for children and young people

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Welcome to Wokingham Borough Council website - giving you access to services and information we provide for residents, businesses and visitors

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Reading Wellbeing Resources for Young People

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Reading Wellbeing Resources for Young People

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Reading Directory | Listings in Young People & Mental Health

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No5 - Free Counselling Services - Reading

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Skip to main content

Supporting Young People to Take Charge of Their Mental Health

Community news

Providing counselling and mental health support to young people

Latest News

No5's latest news, events, and updates!

Who we are

No5 is a community- based organisation offering counselling and support to young people and those around them. Our counselling sessions are provided by fully trained volunteer counsellors. We have 65 counsellors offering sessions five days a week. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and backgrounds but all share a commitment to supporting young people.

What we do

We provide tailored counselling sessions to all young people accessing our service with one of our volunteer counsellors. These usually take place on a weekly basis and last 50 minutes, and they will see the same counsellor each week.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.

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No5 - Free Counselling Services - Reading

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Skip to main content Supporting Young People to Take Charge of Their Mental Health Community news No5's latest news, events, and updates! Who we are No5 is a community- based organisation offering counselling and support to young people and those around them. Our counselling sessions are provided by fully trained volunteer counsellors.

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Emotional and mental health support for children and young people

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Find out about how to access emotional and mental health support for children and young people

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Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND (Reading IASS)- The service was formerly called the Parent Partnership Service. It offers free confidential and impartial advice and support to Reading parents and carers who have children (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs or disability.

We also support Children & young people.

Updated 29/07/2020

Reading IASS for SEND provides information advice and support to parents and carers of children and young people (aged 0-25) who have special educational needs and/or disability (SEND). This service is also offered to children and young people. We can also help if you are finding secondary school admission difficult, even if your child has no SEND.

Reading IASS for SEND provide an impartial service, operating at arm's length from Reading Borough Council and educational settings.

They help parents, carers, children and young people to understand the education, health and social care system in relation to SEND

The service is confidential.

This service is available to parents who live within the borough of Reading only. If you live in another part of the country you can find out about IASS services from your home Local Authority or by going onto the IASS Network website www.iassnetwork.org.uk

What support do they offer?
Reading IASS can help parents, carers, children and young people to get their views heard.

Listen to your concerns

Offer impartial information, advice and support

Offer practical help with writing letters, filling in forms and report writing

Attend meetings with you

Explain what the law says

Explain what you can expect schools to provide in terms of SEN support

Provide an Independent Supporter to guide you through an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment

Put you in contact with voluntary sector support groups

Helpline open during term time: Monday 9.30-2.30pm; Wednesday 9.30am-2.30pm; Friday 9.30am-2.30pm but you can leave a message at any time. During school holidays we cover the service on a rota, without fixed helpline hours. At all times of the year calls are returned within two working days.

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Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND (SENDIASS)

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Reading Information, Advice & Support Service for SEND (Reading IASS)- The service was formerly called the Parent Partnership Service. It offers free confidential and impartial advice and support to Reading parents and carers who have children (up to the age of 25) with special educational needs or disability.

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An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people aged 0-25 who need more support than a mainstream nursery, school or college can provide. It describes all of your child's special educational needs, the support they will need and the outcomes they want to achieve.

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Wokingham Special Educational Needs and Disability Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

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Children & Young People (CYP) Groups | Parenting Special Children

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Sam Attendee of a Community Support Group

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Support Groups for Parents & Carers | Parenting Special Children

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Parent and carer support groups are a great way to meet other parents/carers for practical and emotional support

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Parents and carers of children registered with a GP surgery in the Berkshire West NHS area (Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire) who have an autism diagnosis or are on the NHS waiting list for a Berkshire CAMHS autism assessment can benefit from the support services detailed below. If you would like to register an interestRead More

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Brighter Futures For Children Parenting Groups

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Brighter Futures For Children Parenting Groups

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Support For Parents/ Carers of Neurodivergent Children

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Support For Parents/ Carers of Neurodivergent Children

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Support for carers of neurodivergent children, including those awaiting assessment.

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Benefits | SHaRON - Support Hope & Recovery / Resources Online Network

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Discover the benefits of using SHaRON, from streamlined referrals and reduced waiting times to better communication and improved patient experiences.

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Autism is a lifelong condition affecting social communication. It can involve a strong need for routine and predictability. Most autistic people have sensory processing difficulties, for example coping with flickering fluorescent lighting, strong smells or background noise. Understanding facial expressions and body language is more difficult, and eye contact can be painful to endure. AutismRead More

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What is ADHD? It is a disorder that is defined through analysis of behaviour. People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity–impulsivity that interferes with day-to-day functioning and/or development.

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Children Young People and Families Online Resource

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Speech and Language Therapy | Children Young People and Families Online Resource

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Speech and language therapy for children and young people up to the age of 19 living in Berkshire

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What is Dyslexia? | Dyslexia Research Trust

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Understanding what dyslexia is and how to spot the signs means we can help people who are struggling with reading reach their potential.

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If you’re struggling with your feelings, we have tips and advice from other young people, and information on getting the support you need for your mental health.

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Children Young People and Families Online Resource

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About our mental health services (CAMHS) | Children Young People and Families Online Resource

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Help and support with mental health difficulties, wherever you are in Berkshire.

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Training and resources for parents and carers

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Welcome to Wokingham Borough Council website - giving you access to services and information we provide for residents, businesses and visitors

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ASD Family Help - Autism & Neurodiversity - Embracing Differences

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Workshops are open to all parent/carers or professionals who live or work in Wokingham or West Berkshire. Workshops relate to children, young people or adults with additional needs but NO diagnosis is required to be able to attend these workshops. If you require further information, our up to date workshop list, or any help to

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Explore classes, events and activities at Reading Libraries. Children's events and workshops, book-related activities and more in libraries in Reading.

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MHST Workshop - Low Self-Esteem January 2025 (1)

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The Family Information Service is a statutory service providing free individually tailored, impartial information, advice and guidance on any family matter. The service is available to any family member taking care of children or young people aged 0-19 years of age inclusive (up to 25 years for children and young people with SEND) as well as professionals working with families in Reading. The service is delivered by qualified staff in Information, Advice & Guidance.

Disclaimer: Please read our Disclaimer in full ( link at the bottom of this page) before using this services guide.

If your organisation or group would like to be included in the Reading Services Guide or you want to update/amend your entry please Register on this website.
How to Register on the Reading Services Guide How to Report a Concern about the Safety of a Child or Young Person Coronavirus ~ Latest advice for all residents (with link to Easy Read information tab)
The Family Information Service provides information on behalf of Brighter Futures for Children, which is contracted to deliver the SEND/Local Offer service and the Family Information Service. Brighter Futures For Children - Website

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The Family Information Service is a statutory service providing free individually tailored, impartial information, advice and guidance on any family matter. The service is available to any family member taking care of children or young people aged 0-19 years of age inclusive (up to 25 years for children and young people with SEND) as well as professionals working with families in Reading.

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Qwell is your online mental wellbeing community. Access free, safe and anonymous

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ParentWise - A helping hand for parents and carers

As children get older and more independent, issues that affect them can be harder to spot and deal with.

Learning about potential dangers can give you the knowledge and skills to act if there is a problem. It could also help keep your child safe by preventing problems before they happen.

You know your child best, so if you've got a feeling something's up - you're right not to ignore it.

You can complete a survey to tell us what you think of this page and help us to improve.

My child is acting differently

It's not always easy to know the difference between typical 'growing up' behaviour and signs that something's wrong.

It can be worrying if you notice a change in your child. It could be nothing, but it could mean that they need support. Your child may find it hard to tell you, so go with your gut.

Here are some of the common signs that could mean your child is facing an issue:

becoming secretive or withdrawn

a change in character

repeatedly feeling 'ill' on school days

a drop in performance at school or college

having unexplained money or possessions

regularly 'losing' lunch money or prized possessions

suddenly leaving long-term friendship groups to join new ones

a decline in confidence

having nightmares or other sleeping problems

knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age

What could be wrong?

As children grow up, particularly when moving between primary and secondary school, they want to become more independent and experience new things. This could put them in a vulnerable position at times.

These are some of the issues you should be aware of so you can help keep your child safe or support them if they are already facing an issue:

alcohol and drugs

bullying

child criminal exploitation and 'county lines'

child sexual abuse and exploitation

exploitation by extremist or radical influences

knife harm

online safety

sex and relationships

You might have heard about some of these issues but do not think that they would affect you and your family. But it is important for all parents and carers to know about them.

You can learn more about these issues or find out how to get support in the next section.

What you can do

If you've noticed a change in your child's behaviour, there are things you can do - such as starting a conversation or getting more support.

Start a conversation

Having regular and open conversations with your child will help you keep them safe and prevent future problems.

If you're worried, it's even more important to have an honest talk with them. It's often the best first step to finding a resolution.

How you handle the conversation will depend on your child's age and what you want to talk about. But it will always be up to your judgement.

Talking about tricky topics can feel difficult, but it doesn't need to be. Often, it's the best way to understand what your child is going through and show them that you are there to support them.

Visit the NSPCC website for help with talking about difficult topics.

If you are worried about a child

If you feel that a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

You can contact the NSPCC Helpline for support and advice if you are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing. You can also report concerns to the police on their non-emergency number, 101.

Get information and support

If you are worried about specific issues, resources and support are available to help you decide what to do next.

Alcohol and drugs

For guidance on young people's consumption of drugs and alcohol:

If you are worried about a child or young person's alcohol consumption:

call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110

If you are worried about a child or young person's use of drugs:

visit Talk to FRANK - a friendly and confidential service that gives honest information and advice on drugs

Bullying

Get information and support if your child is being bullied:

Child criminal exploitation and county lines

'County lines' is a term used to describe the criminal exploitation of children for the purpose of selling drugs. For more information:

If you are worried that a child you care for is involved in child criminal exploitation:

call the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 for free, confidential guidance or advice

Child sexual abuse

Find out how to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse:

If you are worried about your child being a victim of sexual abuse or grooming online:

Child sexual exploitation

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse that mainly affects young people during adolescence.

For more information:

Exploitation by extremist or radical influences

For more information:

If you are concerned about your child or young person being exposed to radical influences:

Knife harm

For guidance on young people and knife harm:

Mental health

Learn how to support children and young people who may be struggling with their mental health:

If you need urgent help with a child or young person's mental health issue:

contact Parent Zone's Shout crisis messenger by texting PARENTZONE to 85258 (free on UK major phone networks)

Online safety

See guidance on keeping young people safe online:

Sex and relationships

To help you support your child and keep them safe:

Resources for children with additional needs

You can use all the guidance and support on this page if your child has additional needs, like special educational needs (SEND) or disabilities.

There are also more resources that may help you support your child or prevent them from being harmed:

The NSPCC also offer tailored PDF versions of the Talk PANTS guides for:

They also offer a video version on YouTube for deaf children and parents/carers.

Visit Internet Matters' advice hubs for guidance tailored to children and young people with additional needs:

For support for foster carers and young people in care to talk about their online lives:

Other sources of support

You can also:

contact your GP if you're worried about your child's health or wellbeing

find contact details for your local authority children's social care team

speak to your child's school if you are concerned - schools have a safeguarding responsibility for those in their care so they may be able to look at your child's wellbeing and offer support to them in and around the school day

Tell us what you think

We want to hear about your experience of using this website, so that we can continue to improve it. We've asked Ipsos, a market research company, to conduct a short survey on our behalf. Your responses will be held securely and remain strictly confidential.

Partner organisations

The Home Office has created this website in collaboration with the following partner organisations.

You can find more support and advice on their websites.

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ParentWise - A helping hand for parents and carers As children get older and more independent, issues that affect them can be harder to spot and deal with. Learning about potential dangers can give you the knowledge and skills to act if there is a problem.

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We help students compare every university course, every apprenticeship, and Further Education courses - then apply successfully.

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Everything you need, in one place.

Our platform helps students with the whole progression process - from exploring their interests, to recording the great things they've done, to finding education and training opportunities, to drafting their applications.

Unifrog also helps teachers and counselors to manage the process - from delivering engaging lessons using our off-the-shelf teaching resources, to tracking careers interactions, to drafting References, to submitting applications.
More about International schools More about UK schools + colleges

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We help students compare every opportunity, then apply successfully. We also empower teachers and counselors to manage the progression process effectively.

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Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities - Reading College

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We provide support for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. This includes support those with hearing impairment; mobility difficulties; medical conditions and learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia.

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Our Foundation programmes meet the needs of a broad range of learners; from those with special educational needs or disabilities, to those who may have disengaged from learning in the past or not achieved their full potential.

Foundation Studies
Our foundation programmes support learners to progress onto vocational career pathways within Activate Learning.
During the one-two year programme, learners are able to try different vocational options or specialise in a chosen subject area. Our students also develop employability skills and continue their studies in either GCSE or Functional Skills English, Maths and digital literacy where required. The programme includes citizenship and personal and social development, as well as work experience opportunities.

We offer a variety of pathways, including:

Business

Construction

ESOL

Hair and beauty

Hospitality and professional cookery

IT

Media

Motor vehicle

Performing arts

Public services

Sports

Tourism

Visual arts and design

Tier 4: Foundation Studies
This programme is for learners who have been disengaged from learning or underachieving, and who want to try different vocational options. Learners will develop vocational and employability skills, including English and maths, digital literacy and citizenship learning. Work experience is part of this programme.

Tier 5: Foundation Studies
This programme is for learners who need to develop their personal and social skills to achieve success. Learners will also take part in an introduction to a chosen vocational area at Level 1. The programme includes personal and social development, employability skills, work experience, English and maths, digital literacy and citizenship.

Supported Studies

Our SEND provision is at the heart of our colleges at Activate Learning. We believe that our learners can achieve anything with the right support, time and environment.

We offer a variety of study programmes, however, we know that every learner is different. We will design the right blend for your individual needs.

Tier 1: Pathway to Exploration
This programme provides for the needs of individuals with profound and complex learning difficulties including sensory impairment, physical disabilities and severe medical conditions. This programme will sup-port all aspects of your needs including health, care, therapies, medications, and educational development.

Tier 2: Pathway to Independence and Supported Work
This programme provides for the needs of individuals with severe to moderate learning difficulties who want to continue to build on essential skills for living, employment and community

Tier 3: Pathway for Progression
This programme serves as a stepping stone for you to progress on to further studies and prepare you for the world of work in a supported college environment. The programme will help you build confidence and further develop your social communication skills by providing opportunities for you to independently apply skills and knowledge learnt in a range of settings including external work experience.

Our facilities and specialist services

At each of our campuses, every student will be allocated an experienced personal tutor who will:

support attendance

raise awareness of health issues

set targets and goals

give careers advice

help with study skills offer pastoral care

We offer a range of specialist services at each of our Colleges, including:

A full range of extra-curricular activities are also organised each year that complement and extend our academic curriculum. The students have the opportunity to further develop their social skills, independence, self-esteem, self-reliance, and physical capabilities as well as having fun.

Philip, Foundation Tier 3 Philip has also made massive progress on his work experience. The placement was so successful that he was invited back for another six weeks, which he attended fully independently!

Read my story

COME VISIT US AT OUR OPEN EVENT
WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER | 4.30-7pm

Explore our newly renovated campus and fantastic facilities.

Meet our friendly teachers, tutors and student support staff.

Apply for a course, it's never too early to reserve a space.

REGISTER TODAY!

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Foundation and Supported Studies - Bracknell and Wokingham College

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Everyone should have the chance to achieve their best. Discover our supported foundation and foundation programmes, for learners who need additional support.

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Additional Learning Support | Student Support | BCA

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Receive the support you need to thrive at BCA. Our Additional Learning Support caters to diverse needs, including dyslexia, mental health, & more to help.

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New Meaning Training Berkshire - New Meaning Training

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Welcome to our Berkshire centre. We're based in Reading but our work reaches out across Berkshire and the Home Counties. We opened our doors in June 2020, although some may know us by our old name, "Toolshed".

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Register your profile, search vacancies and apply for an apprenticeship - you must be 16 or over

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Youth Counselling for Wokingham residents

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Youth Counselling for Wokingham residents

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As well as offering schools-based counselling and at a few surgeries across the borough, we also offer counselling to young people from our own premises in Wokingham and at Oakwood Centre in Woodley. Sometimes, accessing counselling at school or college may not be for you, or you may not have any service provision.

We offer up to 6 counselling sessions to young people from 11 years old and over. The sessions are with the same counsellor face to face or online, at the same time and same day every week.

We offer support for any issue or problem you bring to us and we will provide a safe, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.

All we ask in return is that you make a commitment to attend a weekly session, at the same time and day each week; and that you tell us if, for whatever reason, you are unable to attend your session.

If you would like to arrange counselling with ARC, please click here or give us a call on 0118 977 6710

Please be aware we are a small charity and we don't work on formal referrals from government agencies, the parent/guardian or young person can contact us directly
To get in touch you can send a website enquiry, email office@arcweb.org.uk or call 0118 977 6710. Please be aware we do have a waiting list, but the more flexibility you can offer, the sooner you will be offered a session. Our experience is that schools are very accommodating in allowing students time off school to attend counselling.
Facebook: @arcyouthcounselling

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As well as offering schools-based counselling and at a few surgeries across the borough, we also offer counselling to young people from our own premises in Wokingham and at Oakwood Centre in Woodley. Sometimes, accessing counselling at school or college may not be for you, or you may not have any service provision.

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Information toolkit for parents and carers on bullying_FINAL

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BFfC parent carers workshops 2024-2025 (002)

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Tellmi gives young people the tools they need to help themselves, and each other.

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We have now resumed our core service and will be supporting children to return to their weekly mainstream activity with the help of our volunteers.

We are experiencing a higher than usual level of demand for our service and are prioritising children known to Me2 Club. We are still able to accept new referrals for children, however, new requests for help will be added to a waiting list. Due to COVID-19 and our organisational recovery we cannot guarantee a time frame to take forward new referrals. A member of our team will contact you when we are able to offer your child a service.

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We have now resumed our core service and will be supporting children to return to their weekly mainstream activity with the help of our volunteers. We are experiencing a higher than usual level of demand for our service and are prioritising children known to Me2 Club.

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A video for children and young people

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ADHD is widely misunderstood. The goal of this video is to educate children between the ages of 6 to 12 on what ADHD is, the various symptoms of the disorder, and how the symptoms can be inhibited. Illustration and animation by Kwadwo Offei. www.motionworx.co.uk

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How can I get my kid to take their ADHD medication?

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How can I get my kid to take their ADHD medication?

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Q: "I am in tears as I write this. I am the mom of a 10-year-old son who was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD a couple of years ago. He absolutely refuses to take any of his prescribed ADHD medication. We've tried crushing tablets and opening capsules and putting the medicine in spoonfuls of pudding. However, he is clever enough to know that the medication is in the concoction, and refuses to take it. My husband and I have tried everything. He did great for a week or two (on a variety of oral ADHD medications), then decided he didn't like the 'taste' and 'texture.' He cannot swallow capsules or pills, but we are working on it. We are not sure what to do." - Julie

The dilemma this mom describes is common. Parents everywhere struggle with their children over taking medication for ADHD, in itself a sometimes complex, emotionally fraught deliberation. They often encounter the problems Julie describes - a child not wanting to take medication after all, disliking the taste of the medicine, or complaining about how the medication makes them feel (real or perceived). You quickly learn that "taking medication" is far more complicated than you'd thought. Oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD) only complicates matters for families like Julie's.

I have several suggestions for Julie - and the many other parents who wrestle with this issue.

How to Get Kids to Take Medicine for ADHD

1.Let the person with ADHD, regardless of age, make the decision about taking medication. It is your role to advise, supervise, educate, encourage, reassure, remind, and assist, but not to demand. The same applies to me as a doctor. I put the ultimate decision regarding medication in the hands of the person taking the pill.

2. Be honest. Don't trick your child into taking the medication. If you put the pill into a spoonful of ice cream - an excellent way to get the pill down the hatch - tell your child the pill is in the ice cream. And let them choose the flavor of the ice cream. The more control your child has in the process, the better the results will be.
[Read: When Your Teen Refuses to Take ADHD Medication]
3. Explain the diagnosis of ADHD from a strengths-based framework. The analogy I use is to tell the child that they have a Ferrari engine for a brain, but with bicycle brakes. "Your brakes aren't strong enough to control your powerful race car brain," I might say. "The medication is like brake fluid that allows the brakes to work."

4. Understand that medication is not an essential component of treating ADHD. It works 80 percent of the time, and many people do not want to try it, regardless of the medical facts. Knowing that medication is only one tool in the toolbox, make use of a comprehensive treatment plan. In our new book, (#CommissionsEarned), John Ratey, M.D., and I highlight treatment interventions other than medication, including:

Engage in physical exercise

Try special balancing exercises that stimulate the cerebellum

Develop a creative outlet (really important!)

Manage your default mode network

Create stellar environments

Sign up for coaching

Tap into human connection in its many forms

Taken together, this program should help parents address the conflicts over ADHD medication. Although many people fear medication, it can be a godsend if used properly, and under medical supervision. Learn enough facts about medication that you feel comfortable giving it to your child, and make it one element in a multi-modal treatment plan.

How to Get Kids to Take Medicine: Parent Tips

"I make my child take a selfie while taking her medication and text it to me." - Kiki

"I try to help my child understand why the medicine helps, and I ask her how she feels every day at dinner." - Stephen

"We make taking medication part of his morning "health routine," which also includes washing his face and brushing his teeth and hair. We keep it visible near his toothbrush."

"I call his medication the "vitamin for his brain" and I take my own vitamin at the same time to encourage him."

"We use an enormous, loud alarm that has unique tones specifically for taking medication."

"My children don't get their phone in the morning until I see them take their medication. With an hour long bus ride, it's great currency!" - Amanda

"Our son has a token jar that helps motivate him. Each time he takes his medicine without complaint or push back, he gets a token. When he reaches 7 tokens (1 for each day of the week), he earns an hour of Minecraft on the weekend." - Erin

How to Get Kids to Make Medicine: Next Steps

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How Can I Get My Kid to Take Their ADHD Medication?

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What happens if your child refuses to take their ADHD medication? To encourage adherence, be honest but gentle with your child about the medication's purpose and the condition it is meant to help. And remember that, ultimately, ADHD medication is only one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

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