ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Children who suffer from this disorder suffer from attention problems as well as hyperactivity, I have met some children with ADHD and I can honestly say that they are way too active, even I get drained of all my energy.
Parents with ADHD children are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Keeping such children busy after school hours can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day. This is so true.
The 1st step while choosing the right after school activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects him or her. Is your child interested in sports or activities? Is he/she put off by the fierce competitiveness, or does he/she find it hard to get along with teammates and other children? Does your child vocalize his/her feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is always beneficial and a must. Exercise takes up the extra energy and helps to 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, tennis, swimming or gymnastics. Martial arts not only teach techniques of self-defense, but also teach self-control and patience.
If your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other alternatives. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop his/her social skills. Music, art or dance can help the child to keep himself busy and entertained.
If your child is not interested in any of the above activities/sport, you may want him/her to join a Scouts club or other community oriented clubs that take up social work. Examples are cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home are various activities that may pique your child’s interest.
Whatever you choose for your child, make sure that you monitor your child’s progress periodically to ensure that all is still ok. If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity. Anything that increases your child’s self-esteem is very 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 BIG NO. Since these games need no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated. These children 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.
Although you would want these children to be as near to normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits will help you in selecting the right after school activity.
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