Kids on Vacation: Strategies for Parents That Have Kids With ADHD
Make vacations fun and smooth.
Family vacations are an important aspect of family life; they give everyone time away from other obligations so they can focus on their personal relationships. While vacations should be fun and exciting, children with ADHD might fight them difficult because they interfere with typical structures. An ADHD over-the-counter medication can help combat some symptoms — check out Brillia medication reviews for more information — but parents should still incorporate some practical strategies to keep children calm and focused.
1. Structure Your Vacation
Children with ADHD thrive on structure, as do most little ones. When planning your vacations, make sure to spend adequate time making an itinerary. While spontaneity is often fun, it can trigger symptoms in people with ADHD, possibly leading to panic attacks.
Make sure that every day you schedule times for things like meal breaks, restroom breaks, and free time. When children — and adults, for that matter — know what is happening and when, it relieves stress, allowing everyone to have more fun.
2. Incorporate Physical Activity
When adults think of vacations, they likely think of resting and relaxing. Recouping from a stressful year is essential, but every vacation day cannot be dedicated to lounging about. ADHD children need exercise and activity; it helps them manage their symptoms.
Physical activity doesn't need to be vigorous. You can take a walk or go on a hike. You can also play with your children for 15 minutes or so, anything to help them burn some excess energy.
3. Involve Them in the Planning
5-year-old ADHD signs and symptoms vary, but one thing that remains constant across many children is the feeling of inadequacy. Many ADHD children feel a lack of control and agency over their thoughts and feelings. Parents can help by giving their children responsibility for small things.
A way to incorporate agency into a family vacation is by allowing your little one to help plan the trip. You can provide options for different activities and ask which they would prefer to do. You can also ask them which day they want to do said activity. Please do not give them too many options. Start with two; for example, say, "Do you want to go to the zoo or the beach?"
