Summer Challenges for Kids with ADHD and How to Help
For kids with ADHD, the summer can bring unexpected challenges with the lack of structure. School often provides a consistent schedule and routine that can be disrupted during the summer. This can make it difficult for those with ADHD to manage their emotions, attention, and behaviors. With a little planning, the summer can be a fun and successful time for children with ADHD.
Common Summer Challenges for Kids with ADHD
Loss of Routine
Without a regular school schedule, kids with ADHD can have a difficult time knowing what to expect each day. This can cause them to struggle with starting tasks, managing time, following
household expectations, or transitioning between activities. Having a predictable routine can reduce stress.
Boredom and Understimulation
Children with ADHD often need frequent mental and physical engagement. Without this, it can leave them feeling restless or seeking stimulation in less productive ways. Signs of this include:
– Constantly saying they’re bored
– Sibling Conflicts
– Risk-taking behaviors
– Excessive screen use
– Trouble entertaining themselves
Emotional Regulation
With the loss of a schedule and routine, parents may notice that kids with ADHD have trouble regulating their emotions and experience increased irritability. This can result in emotional outbursts and difficulty calming down.
Sleep Schedule Changes
Summertime usually comes with later bedtimes. This can affect mood and behavior. This can also contribute to difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, and lower frustration tolerance.
How Parents Can Help
Keep a Flexible Routine
Even though summer doesn’t have to have a strict schedule like the school year, having a predictable daily pattern can help kids with ADHD know what to expect. Creating routines for wake-up and bedtime, consistent meals, outdoor playtime, reading activities, screen limits/set times, and/or family time. You can mix and match these and customize the routine to fit your child and family.
Encourage Daily Activities
Exercise and physical activity can help improve focus and help kids work out any restlessness they may feel. This can also support emotional regulation. Some fun summer activities include swimming, bike rides, nature walks, going to the park, outdoor games, or summer sports camps.
Balance Structure with Free Time
Children benefit from being able to make choices while still having guidance. A great way to do this in the summer is to offer a few choices for activities and allow them to decide what they would like to do, rather than just having a free open day. You can also balance the activities by alternating between active activities like swimming and quieter/ more creative activities like painting or reading.
Limit Excessive Screen Time
While some screen time is okay and can be enjoyable and even educational, excessive screen time can make it hard for some children to transition to other activities. Try to balance screen
time with creative activities, physical and outdoor activities, and reading.
When to Consider Evaluation
While many children may experience occasional challenges with the shift between school and summer, if your child experiences persistent difficulties with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, or executive functioning, they could benefit from further evaluation if they have not been diagnosed with ADHD. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help identify your child’s strengths and where they may need extra support.
ADHD testing for children can help explain social, emotional, and attention challenges they may experience. This can help parents of kids with ADHD create a path with resources and support for summertime and beyond. At Geo Psychological Testing, we’re here to help with ADHD testing for children in The Woodlands and the Houston area. To schedule, give us a call or contact us through our website here.