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What at home activities can I do with 6yr old with ADHD?


My son was just recently diagnosed with ADHD and put on Adderall...NO COMMENTS PLEASE!!! And I saw an amazing difference!!!! He still had his personality, but wasn't so AAHHH with everything he did. But I wanted to know what at home things should I do with him? Any activities, schedules, things like that!

Thanks so much!!!

I have ADHD and my kids have it too but they take medication while I've just learned to direct my energy. I know what you mean by not so "AHHHH!" We use Ritalin and Focalin and it has helped them so much in terms of focusing and also in helping their self confidence. I do not let them have coffee/caffeine as that just doesn't work for us.

For starters: I would recommend a schedule you stick to consistently (wake up at X time, lunch at X time, snack at X time, bed at X time). Because you're going to be tuning medication and dosings for the next few years (this is totally normal), a distinct and consistent bed time routine is important. Maybe it's bath followed by story or alone time and then tuck in by the parental units. But, always always always have it start and end at the same time.

Secondly, keep him busy to help him direct his energies. Find some physical activities in your community but be aware that not all activities are good for ADHD kids (baseball can be incredibly boring). You may bounce around between sports trying to find the right fit; let him be your guide. Maybe even little kid triathalons and kid 1K races (highly recommend these are they are so much fun for every participant). Stock up on lots of hands on creative or craft work that he's interested in - you'll have to let his preferences guide you but you. I have girls so I'm not going to suggest crafts! They love making friendship bracelets, weaving, and sewing; but it wasn't something they liked right off. My kids have science experiments all over the house as well as architecture kits and building sets. If you have the space, try to get a backyard playground. Try to supplement it with props - maybe tents?

Encourage high creative or imagination play. Stock up on thinking games (like Memory), strategy (Battleship), and other process of duplication or elimination (I think one is called Simon and another is an indoor tag game). Even card games like War; charades is a hoot.
Have a game night once or twice a week but be prepared to play lots of games. Be outside as much as possible doing active things (bikes, walks, runs) during the school nights just to wear him out.

A surprise thing we've found along our way are books on tape (or CD or iPod). They listen to these while they are doing their experiments/weaving and it also marks the official start of 'quiet time' every night. It helps busy minds to have something to latch on to. Highly recommend the entire Harry Potter series (Jim Dale, narrator, is fabulous), Percy Jackson and Olympians series, and The Adventures of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel series.

Kids with ADHD are wonders. You just have to have the energy to lead the way!

Well for me im ADHD also so my mother would make me run around the complex for an hour or make me play sports but i would say try like wii fit cause with ADHD you like to see things that move fast or have bright lights Also one way my mom would calm me down is with an energy drink or coffe cause sugar does the opposite effect on people with ADHD

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