ADHD is short for attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. This disorder is affecting more and more children each year. While the main issues with the disorder consists of lack of focusing, short term memory issues, hyperactivity, stress, and anxiety, many, if not all, of these issues can be dealt with using after school activities along with natural supplements, a change in diet, and even a weighted vest for those who experience hyperactivity at school.
Photo Credit to USAG-Humphreys on Flickr
After School Activities
Parents of ADHD children are well-aware that inattention and hyperactivity remain all throughout the day. Keeping these children occupied after school can be challenging due to several factors. Let’s look at some things you will need to consider and be aware of when choosing an after school activity for your ADHD child.
The first step when choosing the proper after school activity is to fully grasp how ADHD impacts him. Contemplate these questions. Will your child be excited about sports? Is he put off by the strong competitiveness or does he find it hard to get along with teammates? Does your child express his feelings or is communication a problem? Does he shy away from crowds or is he happy to be in the spotlight?
Regarding a child battling ADHD, exercising is always helpful. Physical activity takes up the excessive energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Group activities teach social skills and self-control. However, if your child shies away from team sports, you could very well want to take note of activities like skate boarding, biking, surfing or gymnastics. Martial arts is another good choice as it not only teaches techniques of self-defense but also offers discipline and patience.
Acting classes are a extraordinary form of creative exercise. It additionally furnishes the child with ample opportunity to grow his social skills. Performing, entertainment or dancing can benefit the child to make sure to keep himself busy and entertained. If you find your child has excessive hyperactivity during certain activities or even at school, think about getting a weighted vest to help calm him.
When the child isn’t really excited about any of the previous mentioned, you could very well want him to sign up with a Boy Scouts Club or some other community directed clubs that engage in community work while helping with social skills. Cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an seniors home are several community or Boy Scout ventures that may attract your child’s curiosity.
Things to Consider
Whatever method of activity you opt for, make sure that you keep tabs on your child’s results regularly. In the event that you notice there is not any advancement or improvement in your child, you might need to switch activities. Things that boosts your child’s self-esteem is great. It’s possible that some things will have an adverse affect on a child battling ADHD, so keep a close watch.
New website games, apps and software have actually been developed for memory, concentration and focus, and attention to details. These apps and games are amazing when used for small segments of time every day or, at the very least, several times a week. You will be able to find a range of games just for your child’s needs. NASA has even developed their own software for this purpose, but it is rather expensive.
Even though parents hope their children become as normal as possible, you really must fully understand their needs and limitations to guide you as you pick the ideal after school activity – one that is fulfilling and takes up energy as well as challenges him. As a reminder, you should have your child on an ADHD diet that will help him get the best out of each day.
