With school out for summer, it is difficult for parents to continually come up with creative ways to keep their children entertained. This is even more problematic if that child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Children with ADHD have trouble concentrating and keeping one task for long periods of time, so finding something for them to do that will keep their interest is crucial. Here are some tips and tricks to keep their interest piqued over the summer.
Take Walk
Taking walks helps children to explore their neighborhood and their surroundings. Because they are constantly seeing different things, they will not get bored easily. This also gives them some much needed exercise which helps them to release their excess energy.
To make it even more fun, create a version of I-spy. That will give them something fun to look for while they are out walking. Even walking to the local park and then letting them play there for a while and walking a different route home will keep them busy for a few hours.
Plant a Garden
Have the child plant a small vegetable or flower garden for which they are responsible. Imagine a child’s exuberance and pride when they harvest their little garden and the family can eat the food they have grown. Picture their delight in seeing the flowers that they have been tending growing. They may also see butterflies that their flowers have attracted.
Volunteer
Inquire about volunteering at a local nursing home. Most homes have a time and day that they will let kids visit. Doing this will not only give a child a sense of purpose, but also a new friend. They will gain a newfound respect for the elderly and learn some important life lessons from them as well.
Keep up on Schooling
It is estimated a child can lose more than 30 percent of what they have learned over the summer. Keep the kid learning. Go to the library regularly to check out books they like and make sure the read at least 30 minutes a day. Also, many libraries have summer programs you can enroll your child in.
Do a weekly theme from a state or country and learn about it, immerse your household in it. Listen to local artists, cook meals from that area, learn about their culture, and keep it fun and educational.
Go to the zoo, museums, art gallery, and other places that may give tours. This will keep them entertained and they will be learning a great deal at the same time.
Craft
Give them easy-to-complete craft projects to do, so they don’t lose focus. There are a great deal of ideas and inspiration on the internet. They can learn how to make their own ink and paper. Make gutter boats out of sticks and have a race with them. Try making homemade clay and building things with it.
Look for Free Events
Many cities have free activities that run all summer long. Some areas have a lunch in the park for children up to 18 years old. Most cities even have a free movie night in the park. Check in with the local community center or search online to find out what free activities are available.
There are plenty more ways to keep your ADHD child happy and entertained during summer break and also keep you from going crazy from hearing “I’m bored” constantly. These few suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg.