Q: Can you recommend some activities for my 10-year-old ADHD son to do this summer?

 

 

A: How about jumping off of roof tops, scaling the side of buildings like Spiderman, or digging a tunnel to China? Joining the circus for the summer? Kidding. Sorta.

 

Why do the activities need to be specifically for an ADHD child? Any kind of activity that gets kids into the fresh air and sunshine and playing with others would be fine, ADHD or not. Boys, and girls, need lots of physical activity. But sitting and reflecting under a tree, or reading on the porch, aren't bad, either.

 

What kind of activities did you like when you were younger? What did your husband like? Chances are, your child would enjoy them, too. Find a pogo stick. One choice could be the Flybar Foam Maverick Pogo Stick (see link, below). Pogo sticks are becoming popular again with boys and some girls. What about sandlot baseball with the neighbor kids? Building a treehouse or fort? Basketball hoops are always fun. Yo-yo's, Frisbees, and marbles are good, "old-fashioned" standbys of summer days.

And for lots of interesting ideas, check out these three books: The American Boy's Handy Book, The Dangerous Book for Boys, and How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts. There is a wealth of activities in them to engage their bodies, hands, and brains. Just be sure to help only if your child asks, and don't try to take over and show him "how to do it right." We learn by doing...be available to assist only if needed.

 

My son owns all of those books and has spent many happy, active, outdoor hours building, discovering, and learning new skills with his friends. There is so much in those books that they will keep your son busy for years to come!
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Julie Clark is a freelance writer as well as the Web Manager for DrDaveStein.com, www.StopRAtoday.com  and www.AskMeanMom.com Julie also responds to parenting questions on the members' side of DrDaveStein.com