Suggestions for ADHD activités

[themagicmentor]

Hello,

I mentor a young girl with ADHD, and I'd really like to support her and make school as easy as possible for her. I've done so much research on the subject of ADHD and I am applying to go into a career in this after studying a behavioural sciences degree.

I meet up with her in the mornings at school and I would love for some first-hand advice on activities ext we can do together.

Our discussions usually aren't academic- I try to make it kind of like a rant session for her to get any steam off her chest before she goes into lessons.

Any help would be greatly received

Thank you very much in advance

Magic Mentor

[LisethHIS]

Hi themagicmentor,

Thank you for contacting CHADD National Resource Center on ADHD. I have to say that it's awesome that you are taking the time to mentor the young girl and it's great that you are considering making it a career choice. Here is an article with things you can do for fun. additudemag.com/bouncing-of... d393uh8gb46l22.cloudfront.n... Hopefully these resources are helpful.

If you have further questions, please let us know. We are here to help!

Liseth

Health Information Specialist

CHADD’s National Resource Center on ADHD chadd.org

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome..

It is wonderful she has you to support her. I recommend searching the archives in messages about activities.. there are many amazing posts. There are many unanswered questions from your post. Are you only working at school with her, she the activities would be school based? Or are you traveling off campus?

What age is this child?

Sounds like you are a school employee? What role are the parents playing in this.

etc..

Best of luck..

[themagicmentor in reply to Onthemove1971]

Sorry! Ill answer these now

- I am only working with her at school

- Therefore the activities are School based

- I'm actually not a school employee- I am a year 13 pupil (so 18 years old). I know that makes me sound less important but its something im really enjoying.

Ive emailed her form tutor to ask for some help to ensure im not getting in the way of teachers

[BLC89]

Hello themagicmantor,Your age has no impact on how important your are. You are there for her and just listening can be huge. Thank you for supporting and yay! that you really like it. Your age is likely quite appealing to her because you are a cool older kid willing to hang out with her.

I have found that activities out if the norm are the most interesting/engaging. Things that feel like "I can do that? " For instance, writing out spelling words with your finger in shaving cream - it's different, tactile (often a big hit) and seems a bit messy but can't ruin or stain anything. Or putting answers on a page, asking questions and they toss a coin to the correct answer. Math problems on tic tac toe grid and they solve the problem to get the square. Things like that.

Often for girls the ADHD is less physical and more in the mind. Letting her know that her mind works differently than most and that often schools and lessons were designed for the majority who think differently than she does can help alleviate her concerns that she "isnt doing it correctly" Explain she thinks differently and solve problems differently, not incorrectly.

If she is a wiggly girl have her stand up or stand on one for when working with you to help get the wiggles out. Maybe she hops and spins around then answers a question.

Keep listening to her and letting her know you are there for her and that you accept her different thinking.

If you want more info look for research on girls specifically with ADHD. They are learning more and more how differently it can present in girls vs boys.

Have fun, so glad you are enthusiastic about getting into the field of ADHD.

BLC89

Full disclosure: I am an ADHD Parent Coach. I have been married to ADHD for nearly 30 years and raised two kids who have ADHD. CCSP certified

[themagicmentor in reply to BLC89]

thank you so much. this is so helpful and has really really reassured me.

[anymusic]

Meet up morning activities, depending on age and interest, could be:

- ”Would you rather questions” for children up to ~12 years. thebestideasforkids.com/wou...

- Mindfulness child exercises. bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide...

- Some minutes of physical activity. Just a walk around school or other arrangement.

- Playing Cards.

- Talk about her favourite interest.

And if you find something enjoyable, continue with same every day! 😊