Kids with ADHD benefit from structure all year round, not just when school is in session. It may be easier to create a reliable schedule around the first and last bells — but it’s important to recreate some order when summer rolls around. Summer activities also keep kids from fidgeting too much. Here are three ways to fill your days with activities that keep your kids moving.
1. Camping
It could be camping in a regional park or your back yard; as long as you’re sleeping under the stars, there are plenty of ways to stay busy. Pitching a tent and performing other camping activities keeps your kiddos from sitting still. They can help build a fire, assemble s’mores, and go look for birds. If you’re doing some backyard camping, you can still occupy their time putting the campsite together and playing games.
2. Yard Clean-Up
The open schedule of summer means your kids can help out more around the home. Mowing, picking weeds, and planting flowers are all ways to keep your kids and teens with ADHD moving. Plus, the finished product makes it more fun to enjoy your property. Don’t have a yard? Maybe you have a community garden that needs volunteers or a neighborhood park where your kids can pick weeds and clean up litter.
3. Swimming Lessons
Swimming tires kids out, making it easier to keep a sleep schedule even when you don’t have to get up for school in the morning. Swimming is also a low-impact exercise with little risk for injury. It keeps kids moving, fit, and learning new things. Find a local YMCA or public pool with lessons — your kids might even make a few friends in the process.
Staying busy in the summer is important for the whole family. It’s especially crucial for families where kids and teens have ADHD. When they’re outside exploring or getting their feet wet, they’re not running around the house or having a melt-down. Socializing in small groups can also be a useful exercise and help kids avoid summertime isolation.
By completing our program over the summer, you will have more time for in-center sessions, at-home programming, and less interference with regard to recommended dietary changes. To schedule an assessment for your child, or to learn more about how the Brain Balance Program can help, get started today!
