Most children who suffer from ADHD {Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder} also have problems with hyperactivity as well. This often puts a strain on the parents, who are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity don't stop just because their children are at school, and while they are at work throughout the day. It can be a very difficult task for parents to make sure that their children are involved in activities that will be challenging as well as enjoyable to them.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITY
One of the first things that you should consider when thinking of an after school activity for children with ADHD, is understanding how ADHD effects that particular child. Though many children that suffer from Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder have many symptoms in common, they are different people with distinct personalities. It is a personal disease. For example some children with ADHD will excel in team sports and others will do well in singular sports or fine arts. How well does your child get along with other children? Is competition too overwhelming for them? Are they good at communicating their feelings? All good questions to contemplate.
For children in general physical exercise is beneficial, for children suffering from ADHD it is a necessity. Exercise expends much of their pent-up energy and helps to stimulate their little brains. Team activities are great teaching tools that teach them how; to interact with others, develop social skills and most importantly discipline. But, if team sports are too overwhelming for your child introduce them to activities like dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial Arts is a good example. Not only does it teach the techniques of self-defense but, also teach self-control and patience. All traits that they are definitely going to need to navigate their way through this life.
INTRODUCE THEM TO FINE ARTS:
Acting classes are a fantastic form of creative exercise. It provides the child with the opportunity to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance helps the child to keep not only be entertained, but they learn so much about their area of study.
I have found that many children with ADHD need to be encouraged to try new things. Make it a requirement that they try something that they profess not to like for at least a couple of months or more. They do not know that they don't like something if they do not actually give it a try. Children with ADHD will have to go to school, grow up, get jobs. They will need to learn how to take part in life in much the same way as people who do not have the disorder; so, getting them involved in activities that teach them how to do this is as important as any medication that they take.
COMMUNITY ORIENTATION:
Also, I urge you to do is make your ADHD child more socially aware. Teach them to view the world as a place that they can contribute something to. It will make them feel good about being able to give something to the world in their small way. Take them to visit the sick and shut in. Explain to your ADHD child how important it is to think about the needs of others. So many parents feel so helpless and hopeless that they allow the disorder to run the show when it doesn't have to be that way.
There are so many well-known, successful people who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD that have managed to go on to have many accomplishments regardless of the disorder and so can your child. They just need the right guidance. Will this be simple? No, but little in life is just that simple.
Being present in your children's lives is imperative to their success and that is doubly so for a child with ADHD. Scheduling is very important for them and for you; as you will be on a strict schedule when they are in school and have after school activities. Lastly television, video/ computer games are fun and get them out of your hair but should have time limitations. When your child is active doing things that they enjoy this will be less of a problem because there will be little time for tv and computer games. No successful person is successful without effort so having successful children means you need to
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