Sports and a 5yr old with ADHD

[Grraanniieepat]

I'm a grandmother raising grandkids and I have been for 4 years now. My grandson is 5 pre.- k, had him tested after he showed behavior issued. Teachers have been that Village that I needed and appreciate. They brought to my attention and showed me he he is testing very high in all subjects and higher than most kids they have seen in many years. And because I decided to try the meds (Ritlen) is why he has been nominated for the gifted program ,But his behavior to some situations when he gets something wrong angers him. Doctors say put him in sports. Now the coach loves his size and his strength but does not know about the ADHD. When do I tell him or do I ??? he has Not been chosen for the team yet but watching him at practice it's pretty clear they will pick him for the team. I don't want him teased. Someone please advise. I'm also a resent widow. Sports was my late husbands idea along with the doctors. He played and always told me it teach respect

[Grandma01]

I think sports is great. You don't have to tell them unless his behavior is in the way. If you feel it's is an important part of his character tell 'em. If he a good player and good sport he will get picked for the team. If not this sport find another one he might be even better at.

[sarahchiov]

Sports or at least some kind of daily physical activity is super important for all kids, but I think especially for kids with ADD/ADHD. They need that vigorous play to release pent up energy that can contribute to the behavior issues. Also, kids with ADD are often socially aware of their differences with academics and school in general. Sports can be a place of social acceptance as well as an opportunity to be a “regular” kid. Someplace he doesn’t have to think about being “gifted” or “ADD”. I would hold off telling his coach, unless you see behavior becoming an obstacle. At that point, you may want to discuss his meds with his doctor to see if an adjustment can be made to help with behavior during sports.

[ldfitzpatrick]

First of all, there is a special place in heaven for grandparents like yourself. Thank you for taking on your grandson to raise - I applaud you! As for sports - they are (and were) great for my daughter. She has been in soccer and also gymnastics since she was 4 and have been a great outlet for her. She is now in high school and also does track in the spring. As for telling the coach, I have always been an advocate of telling everyone that my daughter comes into contact with - her girl scout leader, her coaches, her teachers. It has served her well to be open and honest about her condition rather than hiding it. That way, if the coach is expecting her to be a "typical" kid and she displays "atypical" behavior, he understands the child better. Best of luck to you on this amazing journey you are on!

[lbayley]

100% yes on sports!! My daughter has done gymnastics and dance and is now playing water polo and on the swim team. When her activities go on any kind of break, we notice a huge difference in her ability to self regulate. I have been fortunate to find mostly programs where my daughter is supported and respected, but we did have to change gymnastic gyms a few years back because of demeaning behavior by coaches that was tolerated by the old place. But the new gym was wonderful. So don’t be afraid to “shop around”. Youth programs should be encouraging and enriching—not bullying and abusive!