How do u entertain a child with severe ADHD?

Question

My son always complains he is bored, he doesn't have many friends, and we live far from public parks. We do live on the beach and have a pool. I try to hang out with him but theres only so much I can do anyone have any ideas to keep this bordem away?

Answer 1

You don't say how old your son is, or what meds he is taking, but I will give you the benefit of my experience.

My son's doctor explains his condition like this: his brain processes input differently than yours or mine. While our brains seek to put information into an orderly progression, his seeks chaos. We try to make sense out of our sensory input, ADHD kids (and adults, for that matter) do not find comfort in getting things to "make sense". They are much more comfortable with life the way it actually is: unbalanced, unpredictable, out of control. This is why stimulants are prescribed for them- it allows them to focus, while this same process in "normal" brains is thought of as "obsessing".

Anyway, I find that the more input my son is exposed to, the happier he is. For example, he loves Las Vegas- lots of lights, colors, people, big beautiful buildings, sounds, smells, etc. This is the reason ADHD people like to watch television. Big input.

I would recommend less TV because the content is mostly crap, and he will take his social cues from it, good or bad. Non-violent video games are a much better substitute. Also try puzzles and word games- anything with only one correct solution. Multiple possible answers will drive him crazy (it's either right or it's not- gray areas don't exist for ADHD kids) My son likes age-appropriate crosswords and jigsaw puzzles ( when he was three he started turning his jigsaw puzzle pieces over and doing them with the BLANK side up- and this was before he began his medication!) He also loves to paint, especially in 3-D: a clay figure is more fun and engaging than a flat canvas or piece of paper.

Some of this stuff takes supervision, some he can do on his own. Your own timeframe and energy level will determine what's available to him on your schedule.

A couple more things- you say he has few friends: if he has ANY friends he is very lucky. Most kids won't put up with ADHD kids because their behavior tends to be socially inappropriate. Also, you say you live at the beach- my son loves the beach! Again, big input. Of course, the beach requires close supervision, but it should keep him happily occupied for hours, and help him sleep that night too.

Good luck to you and your son. I know it's not easy. I'll be monitoring your post, and if I'm lucky I'll be able to piggyback on your advice.

Answer 2

I also have a son with severe ADHD so I feel your pain!! I have found that the best way to keep my son entertained is with things that stimulate his mind and give him somewhat of a challenge. Computer games, puzzles, and model cars seem to do good for him at his age. There are also tons of educational games on the Internet my son likes to play. He is only 6 but I think most boys are into that kind of stuff. Crafts are a good thing to keep them busy also. My son does alot of drawing, and crafts. I also make sure he has plenty of outside play to get some of that extra energy out. One other thing I could suggest (depending on your sons age) is to change some old things he does everyday around. Maybe a new board game, outside toy, or something like that. Believe it or not my sons latest is crocheting...lol. I have found too that it is VERY important to be consistant with my son. I understand he has a problem, but if you let everything go just because they have ADHD they will walk all over you. If it gets to bad you may also want to consider medication if you haven't done so already. There are plenty of choices, and they're not all stimulants. (good thing!!) Hope some of my suggestions help in one way or another!

Answer 3

It's your job to be a parent, but you're not a circus monkey existing only to entertain him.

Unplug the TV and do somethign constructive with him.

Maybe he has too much leisure time on his hands. Give him a chore to do or get a head start on that summer reading list from school.

And most importantly he needs to learn it's HIS responsibility to find happiness & avoid boredom. He's going to turn into one of those whiney 16 yr old boys who is bored no matter where he goes.

Answer 4

I grew up with ADD and I was never happier than when I was allowed to use my imagination. "Start" a story, and let him come up with the rest of the tale.
Find a seashell on the beach, tell him about it (what it eats, how it lives, etc.) and let him try to find others to learn about.

You don't need to lead him down the entire path. Just point him in a direction, give a gentle shove and he'll take care of the rest.

Answer 5

i have a son with adhd and he didnt have any friends we moved around alot and i began to home school i moved into a house with a pool and looked up some old frieds with kids , now they practically live at my house my son is never bored!

Answer 6

activities that are good are baking, puzzles. They are very logical childeren they don't react well with things that to many directions. My nephew is severly ADHA and Bi-Polar. If you put too many thoughts in their heads they get frustrated and agitated.

Answer 7

Okay this is what I've had to do for my own..... Buy arts and crafts and teach him something new and the things he likes the best is what he will continue to do.

Answer 8

get a dog

Answer 9

sports.