Smart, Sassy, Beautiful, and ADHD

I have known for a long time that my youngest girl has ADD/ADHD.  It runs in the family.  Yes... In our case there is a strong genetic component. It has made things interesting in our home over the years.

My step-daughter has ADD.  My husband was never officially diagnosed, but he meets the criteria on many levels.  I believe his father also had ADD.  There is no disputing if ADD is real here.  

We have resisted medication.  I homeschool and want to do all I can to keep my little girl from having to take drugs daily.  I'm working on changing the diet of my youngest a bit at a time. I know that she can learn coping skills.  I also know that some of the impulsiveness that goes hand in hand with ADD/ADHD fades in the family as they mature. 

But.... I can honestly say... This school year has been so challenging!  She is improving in skills and learning, but keeping her on task has been a full time job.  Even with short, Charlotte Mason-based lessons, lots of variety, and protein for breakfast instead of sugary cereal, my daughter struggles. 

I am learning that consistency helps her.  While we have varied lessons, a mixture of programs and styles, knowing that first is phonics then Bible then Storytime then English then math, helps her... Most of the time.  

Then there are days where it is like a switch was turned on inside her somewhere and her mind is everywhere except on school.  Those are the days I dread.  I try to be patient and gently help her refocus; but by the end of the school day I am exhausted.  Occasionally, like Monday, she only got about half of her work completed before I had to pick up Daddy from work. 

I don't have a yard at the moment to send her outside to "run".  So... I try to give her random breaks.  But, sometimes that backfires because her brain switches to play mode in those few minutes of break time, 

I'm reading everything I can by other homeschoolers with ADD and what works for them.  God made her the way she is for His purposes.  While she may need to learn self-control and focusing skills, I don't want her spunk or sweet personality to be diminished.