Here in Ontario we have turned the clocks ahead, the weather is warming up, and kids and families are preparing for March Break fun. March break offers kids a much needed break from school. For most kids, this is a fun and care-free week filled with time at home, camp, or travelling.
However, many kids with ADHD struggle when their is a change in routine – even a really fun and exciting change! They may be inside at home a little more, spending more time with siblings – and then there is the inevitable transition back to school at the end of the break which can be really challenging for kids and their parents.
Here are my top tips for setting kids with ADHD up for success this March Break:
- Stick to Routines – Kids with ADHD can really struggle without a routine and when it comes to breaks from school, we can be tempted to throw out any routine for the sake of fun. Keep to the morning and bedtime routines as best as possible to keep their days running smoothly and keep them rested.
- Create a Schedule – Kids with ADHD thrive when they know what is coming up next. If you know any plans ahead of time it can be helpful to create a schedule with your child so they know what to expect. This can help avoid those tough moments when they are excited to play video games all day, but you’ve already planned a trip to the grandparents house.
- Stay Active – This one is especially important for kids with the Hyperactive presentation of ADHD. They need to move. A LOT. Find activities that will get them moving, get them outside, and burn off some of that energy.
- Schedule Down Time – Taking breaks from active play is just as important as the active play itself. Schedule in quiet moments at consistent times each day to help teach your child with ADHD to listen to their body and take calm down breaks. This also help give siblings those much needed breaks from playing together.
- Visuals, Visuals, Visuals – This is possibly the most useful strategy for kids with ADHD. For each tip listed above, write it out together, add some pictures, and put it on the wall. Kids with ADHD need visuals to remember what is expected of them. Visual routines for morning and bedtime can help them stay on task when it is time to get dressed in the morning or get pj’s on at the end of the day. A visual schedule can help them plan ahead and know what to expect. And visual cues for transitions and down time can help them move from one fun activity to another.
With the right support and tools in place, your family can have a fun and relatively stress-free March Break. Have fun!
Until next time,
Meg
No responses yet