Finding the Right Club for the ADD/ADHD Child
As many of you have discovered, coping with a child who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without hyperactivity) can be extremely challenging.
Unfortunately our society does not seem to make much room for these children.
Troubles at school, in the home, and with friends and siblings can many times lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness in your child.
This does not need to be the case with after school or summertime clubs.
There are several criteria that you, the parent, can look for to ensure that your ADD/ADHD child will be happy with the club you chose.
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing an after school/summer club is that you are paying a good deal of money for their service.
Go into the interviews with a feeling of empowerment!You and your child have the right to enjoy and feel comfortable about your choice.
Most likely your child will be arriving at the club having experienced the many challenges and pitfalls of the school day.
He or she should look forward to this time and feel welcomed and appreciated.
When supervised properly, this is a perfectly reasonable expectation.
All children require and desire a schedule and clearly defined set of boundaries.
This is especially important with the ADD/ADHD child.
These factors should be the focus as you assess after school clubs.
In order for your child to succeed, the club you choose will have to be extremely organized and offer a soothing environment.
Upon entering the facility or club space, look around.
Is it neat and tidy or are there book bags and snacks strewn about?Are the children playing together or are there a few "wallflowers" being ignored?If the children are inside, is the noise level reasonable or are you already getting a headache?In this case, first impressions are extremely valuable.
If things seem to be chaotic don't assume the club is having an "off" day and do not accept this explanation from the club's leaders.
My advice is to keep looking.
There are too many choices out there to settle on a less than perfect spot for your child.
Once you've found a club that seems to be relatively calm and organized it's time to dig a little deeper.
You'll be glad to know that there does exist a "magic ratio" with scheduling that will almost guarantee your child's happiness with a program.
A continual schedule of 20-30 minutes of activity (e.
g.
playground time, active games such as tag or ball games, etc.
) with alternating 20-30 minutes of quiet time (e.
g.
homework, board games, art projects) does indeed work like magic!All children, whether they are dealing with ADD/ADHD or not, respond terrifically to this ratio.
Ask to see the club's daily schedule.
If they do not have one it's time to move on to the next club.
If they do offer a schedule that seems to incorporate the magic ratio, you're in business! It's important to note that this ratio works just as well at home.
Children with ADD/ADHD need to switch gears more often than most of us.
When their activity is constantly shifting they are more likely to stay on task for longer periods of time.
Thisallows them the freedom to know, for example, that homework time will not go on forever but rather only last in 20 minute intervals.
It may seem like a lot of at first but the rewards are almost immediate and well worth the effort.
Unfortunately our society does not seem to make much room for these children.
Troubles at school, in the home, and with friends and siblings can many times lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness in your child.
This does not need to be the case with after school or summertime clubs.
There are several criteria that you, the parent, can look for to ensure that your ADD/ADHD child will be happy with the club you chose.
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing an after school/summer club is that you are paying a good deal of money for their service.
Go into the interviews with a feeling of empowerment!You and your child have the right to enjoy and feel comfortable about your choice.
Most likely your child will be arriving at the club having experienced the many challenges and pitfalls of the school day.
He or she should look forward to this time and feel welcomed and appreciated.
When supervised properly, this is a perfectly reasonable expectation.
All children require and desire a schedule and clearly defined set of boundaries.
This is especially important with the ADD/ADHD child.
These factors should be the focus as you assess after school clubs.
In order for your child to succeed, the club you choose will have to be extremely organized and offer a soothing environment.
Upon entering the facility or club space, look around.
Is it neat and tidy or are there book bags and snacks strewn about?Are the children playing together or are there a few "wallflowers" being ignored?If the children are inside, is the noise level reasonable or are you already getting a headache?In this case, first impressions are extremely valuable.
If things seem to be chaotic don't assume the club is having an "off" day and do not accept this explanation from the club's leaders.
My advice is to keep looking.
There are too many choices out there to settle on a less than perfect spot for your child.
Once you've found a club that seems to be relatively calm and organized it's time to dig a little deeper.
You'll be glad to know that there does exist a "magic ratio" with scheduling that will almost guarantee your child's happiness with a program.
A continual schedule of 20-30 minutes of activity (e.
g.
playground time, active games such as tag or ball games, etc.
) with alternating 20-30 minutes of quiet time (e.
g.
homework, board games, art projects) does indeed work like magic!All children, whether they are dealing with ADD/ADHD or not, respond terrifically to this ratio.
Ask to see the club's daily schedule.
If they do not have one it's time to move on to the next club.
If they do offer a schedule that seems to incorporate the magic ratio, you're in business! It's important to note that this ratio works just as well at home.
Children with ADD/ADHD need to switch gears more often than most of us.
When their activity is constantly shifting they are more likely to stay on task for longer periods of time.
Thisallows them the freedom to know, for example, that homework time will not go on forever but rather only last in 20 minute intervals.
It may seem like a lot of at first but the rewards are almost immediate and well worth the effort.
Source...