Children with ADD may be hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive. They may be overly fidgety, talkative and restless. They may have difficulty paying attention, forget things easily, and interrupt others. During the holidays, when families often plan multiple get-togethers and children have no choice but to tag along, ADD symptoms can be exacerbated.
How Children of ADD May React During the Holidays
The excitement of executing holiday traditions, receiving presents and visiting family can be overwhelming for the ADD child. Without the structure of school during holiday vacations, kids may feel as though they are not "grounded" and do not have the support of their daily routine. It may also be difficult for ADD kids to get back on track when school resumes. For ADD kids who have a hard time socially, it may be hurtful when they are not invited to gatherings or do not receive presents at school
Tips for Parents of Children with ADD
Parents of ADD children may have a difficult time around the holidays. It may be hard to explain to relatives why your child does not "behave" normally. It may feel like a struggle to keep the child on task and focused with all of the hustle and bustle and excitement of the holidays. However, there are many things that parents can do to minimize frustrations:
- Set aside time before visiting family to review with the child acceptable behaviors and remind him of proper manners
- Teach the child to tell his parent when he starts to feel overwhelmed, anxious or distressed so that the parent can remove him from the gathering and give him a new activity to burn energy and release stress
- Bring a book, game, or extra snacks the child enjoys if he needs something to concentrate on
- At worst, warn relatives that the family may have to leave early if the child truly has a meltdown
- Do not feel as though you must keep every commitment – it is okay to say no
- Ask relatives to speak to the parents or to the child privately if behavioral issues arise
- When making plans, try not to interfere with the child’s normal bedtime and meal routines, as lack of sleep and mal-nourishment contribute to ADD symptoms
- Do one learning-related activity every day to keep the child on track, such as reading aloud together or doing one page in a workbook
- Talk to teachers about doing an even gift exchange in the classroom so that no child feels left out
- Keep a holiday calendar so kids know what events are approaching
- Do not drag children along on long shopping ventures that are sure to increase their boredom, inattentiveness, and negative behaviors
- Keep up a system of rewards and consequences even during busy holiday times to reinforce discipline, and praise the child for accomplishments such as making it through a family dinner without interruption
- Have a system for gift opening. The child may not open all his toys until after all the gifts are opened, for example.
- Make sure the child has enough downtime to relax and be himself. For the child who needs to be physically active, make sure he still has a little portion of the day to burn off energy.
- Teach your child Relaxation Techniques to reduce stress.
- When buying gifts for the ADD child, try to get him things that he is interested in and will enjoy. When an ADD child is inspired, he is often more focused.
- Think about gifts that may help him focus, such as puzzles, books, word games, airplane models, and more. Stay away from videos as movies may make ADD children even more unfocused and restless.
It is possible for a child with ADD to make it through the holidays intact. Parents can implement many ways to make sure their child is calm, focused, and comfortable during the chaos and excitement.
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Abby Deliz - Abby Deliz pursued writing extensively through high school and college, and she was published several times. Most notably, she published ...
