After School Activity For The Hyperactive Child
ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder. Most children with this disorder suffer from hyperactivity and attention problems. Parents of children with ADHD are well aware that inattention and hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Occupying such children after school hours can be as challenging as keeping them safe during the school day.
In order to choose the right after school activity for your child, you need to understand how ADHD affects them. Does your child enjoy sports? Do they find it easy to get along with teammates? Or are they put-off by competition? Does your child vocalize their feelings, or is communication a problem?
Physical exercise is always beneficial for a child suffering from ADHD. Exercise uses up extra energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Having a child with ADHD involved with team activities can teach them social skills and discipline. But, if your child shies away from team sports, you may want to look at activities like, cycling, bowling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial Arts is a great activity for ADHD children as it not only teach techniques of self-defense but also self-control and patience.
If your child shows inclination towards the fine arts, instead of sports, you should look at some other options. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity to develop their social skills. Music, art or dance can help the child to keep themselves busy and entertained.
What if you child is not interested in sports, or the fine arts? Scouts or another community oriented club are great for any child with ADHD. These clubs may do any of the following, cleaning a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home, all of which are various activities that may pique your child’s interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure that you monitor your child’s progress periodically. If you feel that there is no progress, you may need to change the activity. Anything that increases your child’s self-esteem is 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 definite 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. Games that need the child to sit and wait for his turn patiently tax his patience and will not be a success.
Although you would want these children to be as near to normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits will help you select the right after school activity – one that is fulfilling, tiring as well as challenging.