Keep them busy/learn independent play

[Southpaw]

Weekends are a challenge because my 5 1/2 year old wants our involvement in her play constantly. What have you found works to keep children sufficiently engaged and occupied that also helps encourage independent play?

[Onthemove1971]

Have you thought about some classes to get out all the excessive energy. Have have done: Tae Kwan Do, Parkcore (jumping over obstacles, etc), swimming, etc.

other things he did when he was smaller were: legos, rubix cubes, electric mini cars, chess (online competitions), trampoline parks, etc. There are a lot of educational games online.

Good

[MeadowLane5]

Outschool.com has many different remote classes that my daughters enjoyed. Some classes are single sessions and I definitely used this option to get a bit of a break from the constant need of my attention.

[Southpaw in reply to MeadowLane5]

I just want to say thanks to both Onthemove1971 and MeadowLane5. This was the first place I have come to to ask about this where no one suggested that it is somehow my parenting to blame. ❤️

[MeadowLane5]

your very welcome!! Our kids are wired differently and we are doing the best we can. It’s a huge learning process that many even professionals have no idea how to help . Reach out anytime ❤️

[Bluestar63]

I understand your dilemma and want to help. Have you considered her participating in any music programs? Children with ADHD do really well learning to play an instrument, i.e., piano, drum, xylophone, etc. Singing and musical exercises are very helpful. Is this something you've tried before?

[ljp2]

i had luck with giving my kiddo 100 percent attention and letting her choose and direct the play for about 15 minutes, then fading out of the picture as she got absorbed in playing out her own ideas, and I could do other things. Good luck finding what works for you!

[kj419]

We have the same thing going with our 11yo son. He has always had a hard time playing by himself and would bug his sister to entertain himself. Just recently he has started getting better now that he is old enough to go to the park himself. It will get better!!!

I ditto what others have said with having a lot of choices around like legos and magnatiles. We also got a rubix cube and he downloaded a solver app to use along with it but don't know how easy that would be for a 5.5yo.