Activities For Hyperactive Children
If there's one thing above all else I learned from helping to care for my ADHD granddaughter, both daytime and evening, it's this.
Don't confront them or reprimand them because, as I read in one book, it's not their fault and we shouldn't blame them for their behaviour or antics.
This also doesn't help, in fact, I usually found it makes matters worse.
The method I found works a treat was to redirect her energies into a creative activity or, at least, something to take her mind off the present drama.
I always felt as though I was trying to stop a runaway train and that standing in front of it as it sped along was to make matters even worse.
Instead, diverting the train off onto a side track was the way to deal with the situation before it spiralled downhill (excuse my mixed metaphors).
Usually painting worked like a charm, as did making something out of boxes, puppet-making or even going outside to build sand castles in the sand pit.
A short attention span was always a threat to derail my scheme but that just means moving on to another project.
Since I had the responsibility for such a high input into her daily life, being the child of a single working mum, I did my own research into the problem - and some of the solutions.
As you probably know ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Children who suffer from this disorder usually have attention problems as well as hyperactivity.
Parents of such children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day.
Then it's home time and keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects them.
Is your child interested in sports?
Are they put off by the fierce competitiveness, or do they find it hard to get along with teammates?
Does your child vocalize their feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from hyperactivity, after my first priority of creative avtivities, physical exercise is always beneficial.
This will take up the extra energy and help stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social skills and discipline.
But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like
- dancing,
- cycling,
- swimming or
- gymnastics.
Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach self-control and patience.
Turning to creative activities and if your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other more creative options.
Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise.
It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop their social skills.
- Music
- art or
- dance
may help the child to keep themselves busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above, you may want to consider joining a Boy or Girl Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work.
- Cleaning a park
- putting on a show (one of my granddaughter's favourites),
- dressing up,
- helping out in an old age home
are various activities that may pique your child's interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, it's a good idea to monitor your child's progress periodically.
If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity.
Anything that increases your child's self-esteem is good.
You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD.
Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated.
They may also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to stick to messages that are not needed.
Games that need the child to sit and wait for their turn patiently tax their patience and will not be a success.
I can say without any hesitation that a little time spent planning special activities, avoiding others and taking the trouble to cater for their needs is well worth the effort.
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Neil Smith has written extensively on life (and how to deal with it) including 3 non-fiction books and numerous blogs. To read more about his books CLICK HERE and one of his favourite blogs 'How To Be Human' CLICK HERE. See other blogs in the sidebar.
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Don't confront them or reprimand them because, as I read in one book, it's not their fault and we shouldn't blame them for their behaviour or antics.
This also doesn't help, in fact, I usually found it makes matters worse.
The method I found works a treat was to redirect her energies into a creative activity or, at least, something to take her mind off the present drama.
I always felt as though I was trying to stop a runaway train and that standing in front of it as it sped along was to make matters even worse.
Instead, diverting the train off onto a side track was the way to deal with the situation before it spiralled downhill (excuse my mixed metaphors).
Usually painting worked like a charm, as did making something out of boxes, puppet-making or even going outside to build sand castles in the sand pit.
A short attention span was always a threat to derail my scheme but that just means moving on to another project.
Since I had the responsibility for such a high input into her daily life, being the child of a single working mum, I did my own research into the problem - and some of the solutions.
As you probably know ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Children who suffer from this disorder usually have attention problems as well as hyperactivity.
Parents of such children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day.
Then it's home time and keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects them.
Is your child interested in sports?
Are they put off by the fierce competitiveness, or do they find it hard to get along with teammates?
Does your child vocalize their feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from hyperactivity, after my first priority of creative avtivities, physical exercise is always beneficial.
This will take up the extra energy and help stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social skills and discipline.
But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like
- dancing,
- cycling,
- swimming or
- gymnastics.
Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach self-control and patience.
Turning to creative activities and if your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other more creative options.
Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise.
It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop their social skills.
- Music
- art or
- dance
may help the child to keep themselves busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above, you may want to consider joining a Boy or Girl Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work.
- Cleaning a park
- putting on a show (one of my granddaughter's favourites),
- dressing up,
- helping out in an old age home
are various activities that may pique your child's interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, it's a good idea to monitor your child's progress periodically.
If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity.
Anything that increases your child's self-esteem is good.
You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD.
Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated.
They may also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to stick to messages that are not needed.
Games that need the child to sit and wait for their turn patiently tax their patience and will not be a success.
I can say without any hesitation that a little time spent planning special activities, avoiding others and taking the trouble to cater for their needs is well worth the effort.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neil Smith has written extensively on life (and how to deal with it) including 3 non-fiction books and numerous blogs. To read more about his books CLICK HERE and one of his favourite blogs 'How To Be Human' CLICK HERE. See other blogs in the sidebar.
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