ADHD Kids in the Summertime

“Summertime and the living is easy….”

Those are the opening lyrics to George Gershwin’s song “Summertime”.

Mr. Gershwin was right; summertime living is pretty easy. The weather is nice, the kids are off from school, and the days are longer. My favorite thing about summertime is grilling, because I get a break from cooking and washing the pans later.

Summertime can be a great time for any kid, but for ADHD kids, it can be especially nice.

For one thing, there is no school. The pressure and stress is gone and the battered self esteem gets a much needed break.

For a lot of ADD kids, summertime also means a break from medications. Everyone has their own opinion on ADD meds, but a lot of people find that they don’t like the way that they feel when they take them, even though they recognize the way it helps.

Summertime can be a respite from medications and a chance to just be who you are. How refreshing is that?

Plenty of nice weather in the summer means that ADHD kids get more time outside to run and play and burn off energy. All that exercise is good for them, in mind, body and spirit.

Summertime is also a great time to explore interests that you may not have time to explore during the school year. Astronomy, geo caching, art projects – there are so many things to explore.

Summertime is also a time when families tend to spend more time together, whether it’s a vacation, staycation, or camping trip. Be sure to spend some time getting to know your ADHD kid and the things that make them unique.