School’s out: 4 tips to help your child with ADHD thrive this summer
(BPT) – Just as students are excited for summer break from school, parents can be just as anxious to find new ways to continue the learning process over the summer months. Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may feel additional pressure to find ways for their child to flourish as routines and learning environments change. Approximately 6.4 million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leaving millions of parents and caregivers looking for summer break ideas to keep their child’s development on track.
Dr. David Rosenthal, a psychiatrist in Boulder, Colorado and co-author of ‘Teaching Young Children with ADHD,’ shares tips to foster engagement and support the growth of children with ADHD during their breaks from school.
Tip 1: Explore community day camp programs
Summer day camps can provide an outlet for a child with ADHD to continue learning in a fun and engaging environment. Look for a program that will increase your child’s self-esteem while also reinforcing the academic skills they’ve worked so hard to develop. Confidence building activities can include rock climbing, horseback riding, rafting or hiking with trained professionals.
You’ll also want to identify camp counselors who have experience working with children with ADHD, and connect with these counselors to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Tip 2: Consult your doctor about medical foods
More than 60 percent of the children in the U.S. diagnosed with ADHD are taking prescription medication, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent VAYA Pharma survey found that 75 percent of parents report giving their child a drug holiday from his or her prescription medication. A ‘drug holiday’ refers to a structured treatment interruption of medication at the direction of a physician.
While each child and their diagnosis are different, it’s important for parents to talk to their child’s doctor about his or her drug regimen on a regular basis. The summer months provide an opportunity to try medical foods that address nutritional deficiencies associated with ADHD. One example is Vayarin PS-Omega-3, a medical food that is safe for children and has been shown to reduce certain ADHD behaviors, especially in children with the most pronounced emotional dysregulation. Decisions about changing a child’s course of treatment must always be done under the care of a physician.
Tip 3: Plant a vegetable or flower garden
Go ahead and get dirty. Showing your child the processes of nurturing and growth is an important part of their own development. It can be calming to them and capture their attention. Once you have flowers or vegetables planted, you can teach your child how to care for them daily. Make ‘plant checkups’ a part of your daily routine as this will help add structure to your child’s day.
Tip 4: Ask your child to share a list of new things they want to learn
Allowing your child to have input into his or her summer break will show them you value their opinion and you may have a better chance of getting them to try new things. Maybe your child wants to learn how to play the piano, learn how to cook or learn wilderness skills. You can incorporate their interests into summer activities. If your child has mastered a skill, ask if they’d like to teach the skill to a younger child. This type of engagement can build the child’s confidence and refine their social skills.
Your child may even say they want a break and some down time. That’s OK too. Children with ADHD work hard during the school year, so let them have time to recharge. They’ll return to school in the fall refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
Don’t let the transition from school to summer get you and your child down. Incorporate these tips into your summer plan to help your child with ADHD continue to thrive throughout the break from school.