Strategies to Support Kids with ADHD Over the Summer

Summer can be a challenging time for children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and their families. With the structured routine of school replaced by the freedom of vacation, many ADHD kids struggle to stay focused, organized, and engaged. However, with the right strategies and support, summer can also be a time for growth, learning, and fun. Here are some of the ways you can support kids with ADHD during the summer.

Listen for more: 5 Pillars of ADHD Intervention & Support from a Cognitive Psychologist

Create a Summer Schedule:

One of the hallmarks of ADHD is difficulty with time management and organization. This is one of the reasons that the ADHD brain thrives with routine—even while it struggles to maintain them. 

Creating a daily or weekly schedule can provide structure and predictability, which can be incredibly helpful for ADHD kids. Involve your child in the process of creating the schedule, allowing them to have input on activities and outings. Be sure to include a mix of structured activities, downtime, and outdoor play to keep things balanced.

Set Clear Expectations:

Clearly communicate expectations and rules for behavior during the summer break. Break tasks and activities into manageable chunks and provide clear instructions for each step. Use visual aids such as checklists or charts to help reinforce routines and expectations. Positive reinforcement and praise can also be powerful motivators for children with ADHD because their dopamine reward centers function differently than the neurotypical brain.

Incorporate Movement and Exercise:

Physical activity is essential for managing ADHD symptoms, as it helps to release excess energy and improve focus and concentration. Encourage your child to engage in regular physical activities such as swimming, biking, or playing sports. 

Have a child who can’t sit still? Here are some of the brain-based reasons for hyperactivity >>

Limit Screen Time:

While screen time can be tempting, excessive use of electronic devices can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Set limits on screen time and encourage alternative activities such as reading, arts and crafts, or playing board games. Implementing a family game night is a good option to get your family to connect over the summer and give your ADHD kiddo a different alternative to more TV or video games.

Here are some great games for kids with ADHD! >>

Helping Kids with ADHD Improve Focus, Memory, and More

At LearningRx, our cognitive training programs target the root cause of struggles with attention, memory, and many other areas of learning and life. You may think that your ADHD kid struggles with attention (it’s in the name after all — attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

However, according to research, attention is actually not the most deficient skill in most cognitive profiles of individuals with ADHD. Working memory, long term memory, and processing speed tend to be more deficient. 

This is why interventions that only target attention are missing the boat on what’s really happening in the ADHD brain. Our individualized approach allows us to target each individual’s unique strengths and weaknesses to help them overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Find out more about a brain-based ADHD intervention here >>