4 Fun Activities for You & Your Child with ADHD
If you have a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD, you know one of the main symptoms is hyperactivity. In other words, your child may seem to have an excess of energy, and all of that energy needs to be channeled.
Unfortunately, many kids today are far less physically active than kids from just 20 years ago. It used to be natural for kids to be outside running around and riding bikes, but many of today’s kids spend their time sedentary, watching television or playing video games.
Children who are hyperactive can release tension and energy much easier by engaging in activities outside where they can run, jump, swing, or play sports than by sitting indoors.
If you want to reduce ADHD symptoms in your child, help them get their body moving. As a bonus, all of this physical movement will help your child improve their balance, coordination, and other gross motor skills.
Riding Bikes
Not only is bike riding a terrific exercise that is gentle on growing child bodies, it’s a great way to explore your neighborhood or local community. When we drive by places in our cars, we tend to overlook many of the details and things that make our local communities special. But when we ride our bikes, we can take in much more.
Family Sports
If you’re lucky enough to have family members nearby, consider having a weekly family team sporting event. This could be family soccer games, baseball games, or whatever you come up with. This will also provide opportunities for your child to socialize with others, especially if they have cousins of similar ages, to develop social skills like sharing and taking turns.
Yard Work
Speaking of mowing the lawn, having your kids help out with yard work can be a great way to spend time together while getting important tasks accomplished. Painting fences, raking leaves, or even playing with pets your family might have are great ways for your kid to release energy.
Treasure Hunt
Whether it’s in your backyard or at the local park, a treasure hunt is a creative way to get your kid exploring in the great outdoors, moving their body, and having an awesome time. Your treasure hunt could have an educational theme, like finding and solving math problems to get the next clue.
Kids with ADHD are constantly being told to calm down and sit still. So getting them outdoors where they can move their bodies and explore will not only calm their hyperactivity and impulsiveness, but will also make them feel better about themselves.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and you would like to explore treatment, I would be happy to speak with you about how my approach to family therapy may be able to help.