Is the winter weather making life hard for you and your ADHD-diagnosed kids? They are either bouncing off the walls trying to burn off energy or else are spending countless hours glued to their video games or iPads, which makes them grumpy and you feel guilty. So here are a few suggestions of ways that you can entertain, educate, and engage all children.
Do artwork together
Art is something different to every child, but ADDitude Magazine explains that it’s a powerful tool for helping kids enhance their strengths and abilities. Children with ADHD, especially, can benefit from a low-pressure day of doing art. Once their masterpieces are complete, use your mobile scanning app to take photos. Consider this option when you need to turn their artwork into digital files and PDFs that you can send for printing or simply to show off aunts, uncles, and grandparents who don’t live nearby.
Plan active games
Active games are a great way for children with ADHD to burn off some energy, let go of some steam, and stay focused. Kids of all ages will enjoy playing games that involve running, jumping, and snaking through the rooms of your home for an imaginary adventure. And, it’s fine to put them to work: you can always create a chore chart so your kids can earn an allowance.
Work puzzles
Puzzles are an exceptional way for kids to improve their problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination. Specifically for kids with ADHD, puzzles also work to improve focus and concentration. You could do word searches, mazes, or traditional jigsaw puzzles, or the kids can create their own using cardboard, scissors, and glue using this tutorial from Felt Magnet. Tip: Put the puzzle on a table where your child can walk around the board, and wander off for a few minutes when they get bored then come back.
Do board games
There’s nothing boring about board games, and everyone will enjoy a night of good-humor competition. Consider the game Pandemic, which averages around 45 minutes of gameplay, according to Neurodiversity Matters, or break out the Twister for fast-paced, physical fun.
Make music
You don’t have to have musical talent to make beautiful music together. You can find plenty of online tutorials (even kits that let you make your own instruments) so that you and your little ones can start your own family band.
Other ideas:
Look at the stars. You don’t have to be outside with the mosquitoes or in the heat/cold to enjoy a view of the night sky. Just make sure that your windows are clean and the room is dark.
Write poems and stories. Task your children with creating poems and stories about random household objects. You may never know how interesting the secret life of the planter you got as a wedding gift might have been until you hear it from the imagination of a child.
Make goodie bags for those in need. Another great activity that you can do indoors on bad weather days that benefits your children and those who are less fortunate is to make goodie bags. There are many homeless shelters and organizations that would welcome the Ziploc bags full of deodorant, feminine products, toothpaste, and other toiletries.
Ultimately, a day indoors does not have to be spent staring at video games. There are many ways that you can enjoy time with your kids. From creating art together and sending digital files to loved ones to writing stories and making small gifts for people in need, today’s tips are just a glimpse into the world of possibilities.
Jennifer McGregor is a pre-med student who loves providing reliable health and medical resources for PublicHealthLibrary.org users.She wants her writing to help make the world a better, healthier place by making it easier for people to find high quality health information on the web.
