After
School Activities for the Hyperactive
Child
John Ugoshowa -
ADHD refers to attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Most children who suffer from this disorder suffer from
attention problems as well as hyperactivity. Parents of
such children are well aware that inattention and
hyperactivity continue throughout the day. Keeping such
children busy after school hours can be as difficult as
keeping them safe during the school day.
The first step while choosing the right after school
activity for your child is to understand how ADHD affects
him. Is your child interested in sports? Is he put off by
the fierce competitiveness, or does he find it hard to get
along with teammates? Does your child vocalize his
feelings, or is communication a problem?
For a child suffering from ADHD, physical exercise is
always beneficial. Exercise takes up the extra energy and
helps to stimulate the brain. Team activities teach social
skills and discipline. But, if your child shies away from
team sports, you may want to look at activities like
dancing, cycling, swimming or gymnastics. Martial arts not
only teach techniques of self-defense but also teach
self-control and patience.
If your child shows aversion to sport and shows inclination
towards the fine arts, you may need to look at some other
options. Acting classes are a wonderful form of creative
exercise. It also provides the child with ample opportunity
to develop his social skills. Music, art or dance can help
the child to keep himself busy and entertained.
In case the child is not interested in any of the above,
you may want him to join a Boy Scouts club or other
community oriented clubs that take up social work. Cleaning
a park, putting on a show, helping out in an old age home
are various activities that may pique your child's
interest.
Whatever form of activity you choose, make sure that you
monitor your child's progress periodically. If you feel
that there is no progress, you may need to change the
activity. Anything that increases your child's self-esteem
is good. You may enlist the help of the coach or teacher to
assess your child's development.
There are certain activities that are detrimental to a
child suffering from ADHD. Computer and video games are a
definite NO. Since these games need no interaction,
children will feel all the more isolated. These children
also find it difficult to distinguish between the good and
the bad messages. They may therefore show an inclination to
stick to messages that are not needed. Games that need the
child to sit and wait for his turn patiently tax his
patience and will not be a success.
Although you would want these children to be as near to
normal as possible, understanding their needs and limits
will help you select the right after school activity - one
that is fulfilling, tiring as well as challenging.
About the Author
John Ugoshowa. For more information about after school
activities see the art aquarium and fish care section of
The Free Ad Forum at: http://www.thefreeadforum.com/infowizards/CAT/After-School-Activities_84_1.html
You are welcome to reproduce this article in your ezine
or website as long as you include our link and bio
above.
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