Anyone that has a fidgety child knows how tiring it can be and how you always need to be one step ahead of the game to keep your child entertained and content. It can feel very time consuming just discovering methods to teach and amuse them in ways that work best for them.
In a recent study by Time magazine, it was found that 13.2% of boys and 5.6% of girls have been given the diagnosis of ADHD. Known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is now becoming more known and dealt with in the last few years. It is known to cause the child to be restless and to have a hard time sitting still. The most recognized issue that this can be a problem for is paying attention in school. Thus, homeschooling seems to be an ideal fix to this problem, and many parents see a huge benefit when they can educate outside the box of the institutional model.
Practical Tips
Every child likes to be active so whether you’re raising an especially energetic one or not, these practical ideas and advice will give you great starter options to discover what appeals most to you and your kids.
If a child is fidgeting, then it is usually a good idea to keep their learning time to short periods and then allow them to be physically active outdoors or inside if the weather isn’t suitable (indoor activities list below). This will help them to get all their restlessness out and have them ready to learn some more.
Sensory activities involving their hands and their minds are effective to keep their focus on the task at hand and catch their interest to minimize daydreaming at the wrong times.
Make sure they have something to fiddle with like a fidget toy or paper clip. Some may even like to squeeze a stress ball. Whatever your child's preference, you will soon find out through trial and error. What works with one child may not work with another one. Don’t try to squeeze them into a mold. Customize everything, including their schoolwork, to what works for them and not how others are doing it.
It is very important that they get lots of rest and are kept on a schedule for sleep time; routines make a huge difference. Also limit their intake of sugar, red food coloring, additives and other carbohydrates that may interfere with their moods or attention span.
The list below has some self-explanatory activities, but you can also read a more detailed description of them at Understood.
- Have a scavenger hunt
- Fun with bubble wrap
- Balloon volleyball
- Hopscotch
- Charades
- Twister
- Dance party
Attention Spans Do Not Determine Accomplishments
There are lots of famous people that were diagnosed with ADHD, but that did not stop them from believing in themselves and striving to do their best. You would likely be surprised at the amount of actors and singers that had this diagnosis. This goes to show that no matter what diagnosis you have or personality quirks you may exhibit, it doesn’t limit the possibilities for your future. If you raise your child to have confidence in themselves and to believe that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to, then they’ll go on to do more than you could even imagine.
With advancements in technology and flexibility with their curriculum, children nowadays are breaking the mould for what people think they can accomplish and what they are capable of.
Take pride in your child and all their accomplishments no matter how small they may seem to you at the time. Praise will go a long way in building up their confidence.
For even more inspirational and ideas, go to the sites below to be well-equipped with various games, activities and play to focus and have fun with your kids.
Play Therapy Techniques and Games to Try at Home
Teacher Tips for Keeping Fidgety Kids Focused
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).