3 Amazing Activities for Kids With ADHD

Devoting your entire attention to a specific task can be a difficult feat for any individual. External stimuli such as loud noises, crowds and technology can easily distract children, while feelings of anxiety, worry or restlessness can increase the likelihood of absent-mindedness in adults. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may find maintaining focus even more challenging. Whether by identifying the best ADHD medication for child with anxiety or encouraging participation in well-researched activities, parents can successfully help their children thrive. Understanding a few simple ways to promote attentiveness can be extremely beneficial for your kids.

1. Imaginative Play

Pretend play is a great way for children to freely express their creativity while safely navigating their thoughts, feelings and emotions. New universes can be explored, futuristic inventions can be created and traditional ways of thinking can be challenged. The lack of formal rules during imaginative play grants children the opportunity to follow their mind as it wanders from one idea to the next.

Independence, social skills and emotional development obtained through this type of activity can be carried over and integrated into everyday life. Children with ADHD may then find it easier to drown out any potential distractions.

2. Card and Board Games

Board games such as Battleship, Chutes and Ladders and Yahtzee are excellent activities for children with ADHD. They encourage social interaction between players and require focus, recall and memory. Individuals must observe others’ actions, predict potential outcomes and act accordingly. These games require children to diligently focus on the task at hand in order to beat other players, and they can be an ideal way to teach children how to deal with frustration resulting from loss or failure.

Cards can be used to play a multitude of games with a varying number of individuals. Whether you are simply playing a game of Go Fish, Slapjack or Crazy Eights, players must demonstrate a methodical and quick response time to be successful. Meanwhile, the use of color-coding in games such as Uno can help increase focus and visualization skills.

Despite trying to sharpen their skills to the best of their ability, some children may still need medication to lessen the symptoms associated with ADHD. Parents should diligently research ADHD medication reviews to check for any unwanted side effects that could negatively impact their child's ability to engage in everyday activities.

3. Individual Sports

Playing sports can improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Children with ADHD can use these activities to release pent-up energy and enhance concentration. Although team sports encourage the use of social skills such as communication and collaboration, they have the potential to be overly stimulating and distracting for some individuals.

On the other hand, individual sports such as swimming, tennis and running require undivided attention, as participants must carefully focus on body movements, breathing techniques and hand-eye coordination.

Coping techniques for ADHD are highly individualized and may change throughout life. Learn about the various options for child anxiety treatment at home to determine the best solution for your family.