Holiday time can be extra trying if you plan on hitting the road with ADD. One of the key tricks to managing ADD/ADHD behavior successfully is planning and scheduling. But what happens when the beach beckons and the schedule flies out the window, along with all your patience?
How to keep things nice, not naughty:
- Set a holiday schedule – Split your time between parties, decorating, spending time with family and friends, prepping Christmas treats, etc.
- Be flexible – With all the activities your child might need some down time. It’s okay to reorganise the schedule if they need a break.
- Talk to your ADD practitioner before heading on holiday – if you’re taking a break from ADD therapy or medication, it’s worth discussing possible side-effects with your expert.
- Practice calming techniques – Role play a scenario that you know has been problematic in the past, then introduce the ‘stop, relax, think’ and combine with calm breathing. This helps avoid conflict with other kids on holiday.
- Work exercise into your schedule. This can be as easy as packing a skipping rope or doing some jumping jacks.
- Encourage and reward good behavior.
- Involve your kids in all the holiday activities like decorating and wrapping presents.
The experts at The ADD Lab scoured the web in search of the best ADD toys to put on your wish list this holiday.
Here’s what we found and love:
We hope you have a wonderful festive season. If you would like to talk to an ADD specialist before going on holiday, call us on 011 888 9334 or email info@addlab.co.za.
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Sensory fidget toys – Tangle Creations
Gross motor toys – Sturdy Birdy
Visual and tactile toys – 3D Feel & Find
Social skills toys – Roylco straw and connecter set