| Coping skills will vary from child to child, as with | | | | bored with ANY activity, so have a lot of options for |
| everything else. Some skills can be learned from | | | | both indoor and outdoor physical activity. |
| therapists, while other skills come from physical | | | | Creative play is a wonderful choice for the ADHD |
| activity, a favorite past-time such as engaging in | | | | child. If your child enjoys artwork, keep art supplies |
| creative play, video games, and schedules. Your | | | | on hand. Have washable markers, construction paper, |
| ADHD child is in need of many different coping skills, | | | | colorful stickers, art deco foam pieces, beads & |
| so I hope to give you some valuable tools for your | | | | string, etc. and help your child explore their |
| parental "tool box" to pass along to your child. | | | | imagination. All children enjoy praise from adults, so |
| Coping skills from therapists are often gained through | | | | make sure that you give your child a lot of |
| play therapy, but if this isn't an option for your | | | | encouragement, even if the dog that they made for |
| family, my suggestion would be to find something | | | | you looks more like a bird. If your child is old enough, |
| that your child enjoys, then encourage the child to | | | | have them write a story about their project. This will |
| use this option when they feel that they are losing | | | | encourage the building of language skills and can be |
| control. If playing with play dough keeps your child's | | | | good practice for handwriting skills, as well. |
| attention, put a plastic table cloth on the kitchen | | | | If your child enjoys video games, make sure that |
| table and let him/her go wild. You can even give | | | | you are purchasing age-appropriate games, as well as |
| them a specific task, such as making a flower, | | | | games that challenge the child's mind. Games |
| dinosaur, gingerbread man, etc. to keep things | | | | containing puzzles to be unlocked before moving to |
| interesting. When the project is finished, let it dry | | | | the next level help teach patience and builds |
| out, then place it somewhere prominent in the home | | | | self-confidence. Educational games that teach critical |
| or in your child's room to help build self-esteem. | | | | thinking or math skills, or games that encourage your |
| Physical activity is always a plus for the ADHD child. | | | | child to use their imagination are all beneficial in their |
| When you notice that your child is becoming | | | | own right. Something to keep in mind here is to NOT |
| hyperactive, have them go outside (weather | | | | allow electronics to become a babysitter for your |
| permitting!) and run around the house two or three | | | | ADHD child. Limit game time for after finishing |
| times and repeat as necessary, LOL! Seriously, | | | | homework/chores, on the weekends for short |
| though, ANY type of physical activity such as | | | | periods, long car rides, or as an alternative to |
| shooting baskets, running, jumping jacks, playing | | | | watching mindless television. |
| volleyball, bike riding, etc. will be helpful in bringing your | | | | Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to |
| child's hyperactivity under control. When playing | | | | treat or diagnose ADHD. All individuals suspected of |
| outside isn't an option, use a small, indoor trampoline | | | | having this disorder should be evaluated by a medical |
| to help your child burn off excess energy. As the | | | | professional. Information contained in these posts are |
| child burns up that extra adrenaline they've produced, | | | | for informational purposes only and should be used at |
| they'll calm down and be able to communicate clearly | | | | the users own risk. The publisher in no way is |
| and accept redirection better. Just remember to not | | | | responsible for any adverse reactions or conditions |
| overuse this, because ADHD children quickly become | | | | that may result from utilizing this information. |