ADHD has become the common name for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Most children who suffer from this disorder suffer from attention problems as well as hyperactivity. Parents of such children must spend a good deal of time focusing on keeping their children busy after school hours, which can be as difficult as keeping them safe during the school day. With some help, picking the right activity for a child with ADHD can be a simple and rewarding experience.
The first step in choosing the right after school activity for a child with ADHD is to understand how the disorder affects them and what they are interested in. Do they enjoy sports? Are they put off by the fierce competitiveness, or do they find it hard to get along with teammates? Do they vocalize their feelings, or is communication a problem? Answering these questions can help narrow down potential activities and allow for quicker solutions to getting them involved.
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is always beneficial since it takes up some of the extra energy and helps to stimulate the brain. Team sports teach social skills and discipline, but, if a child with ADHD shies away from these activities, sports like dancing, cycling, swimming, or gymnastics may be a better choice. Martial arts is another strong option for such students, for it teaches techniques of self-defense in addition to self-control and patience.
Some students may be more inclined towards the fine arts, leading to other options to consider.
Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative exercise. They also provide a child with ample opportunities to develop social skills. Music, art, or dance can help the child keep themselves busy and entertained.
For those not interested in any of the above, Boy/Girl Scouts clubs or other community oriented clubs that take up social work are a great alternative. Cleaning a park, putting on a show, or helping out in an old age home are various activities that may pique a child's interest and be a way to fill their time and burn off some energy.
Whatever form of activity interests a child with ADHD, mentors need to make sure to monitor the child's progress periodically. If there is no progress, children can always change to other activities. In the end, activities should help lift a student's self-esteem.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a child suffering from ADHD. Computer and video games are a definite NO. Since these games require no interaction, children will feel all the more isolated. Games that need the child to sit and wait for their turn will be taxing on an individual with ADHD's patience and will not be a success.
While all students should consider getting involved in activities, individuals with ADHD need to find specific activities that can help them cope with their energy and hold their focus. In turn, being able to burn off energy in extracurriculars may help them focus better in school.