We used to have these neighbors down the street who owned a German Shepherd named Guinness. Like a lot of German Shepherds I’ve known, Guinness was smart, agile, and easily bored.
As a result, he would often leave home in search of something to do. he often ended up at our house, because, well, he was welcome there. (My Uncle Ray used to have the same sort of arrangement with his neighbor’s horse.)
Of course, a dog roaming the neighborhood unattended is generally frowned on, even if it’s just a big, goofy dog like Guinness. It can get you into trouble.
Kids with ADHD have some things in common with Guinness (the dog, not the beer).
When ADHD kids get bored, they start looking for something to do and that can sometimes get them into trouble.
At some point in their lives, kids become old enough that we as parents feel comfortable leaving them home alone. At that point, they’ve really outgrown the babysitter phase.
So, if your household includes working parents, you may find that your kids are left home alone during school breaks while you go to work. It’s far from unusual.
The problem is that most working parents are gone from home for more than 8 hours a day. That leaves a lot of time for kids to try and entertain themselves.
Kids with ADHD are easily bored, immature for their age, and risk takers. They often act before thinking. All of this combined with too much time without supervision can equal trouble.
Now I’m not suggesting that you quit your job or hire a babysitter. Neither is very reasonable.
What you can do, though, is to keep your kids busy.
Enroll them in summer programs. Check your local parks and rec department as well as local colleges.
Send them to camp. It doesn’t have to be sleep away camp. My son Andy spent many summers in an ice arena at hockey camp.
Tap into their interests and give them the materials to explore them. For instance, if they’re into music, maybe an instrument and lessons. Or give them some art supplies if that’s what they like.
Ask them what they would like to do with their summer. They don’t want to sit around bored any more than you want them to. Help them find a way to stay engaged this summer and out of trouble.
Thanks for this bit of information. I am desperate to find more ways in handling this behaviour. My son is in Gr2. He had the same problem in Gr1. His teachers says that he is very clever, but he can not consentrate. He is also not naughty, but quite intertaining. He loves making people laugh and being funny. He will sit in class with pieces of paper and build something. Yesterday his teacher phoned and said she had enough (second week of school). He is on eye q. He plays chess and rugby. At home we have our routines. He also swims after he had done his homework. So we do keep him busy. Other than that, he is very loving, a very interresting child. In fact he is a big piece of sunshine. Please help!!!!
interesting article. I can tell you put a lot of time into it. Keep up the good work!
interesting article. I can see you put a lot of time into it. Keep up the good work!
great post. I can see you put a lot of time into it. Keep up the good work!