It is mid-summer! Where did the time go? It has been a nice break for both of you from homework, getting to school on time, or any other struggles that your child may experience. But, as the school year approaches, you may find yourself worrying that your child is losing valuable time to work on skills.
No need to worry. Students with ADHD can continue to work on strategies that can lead to success in the coming school year. Here are 10 tips for summer skill-building:
- LEARN SOMETHING FUN
Think science camp, art camp, or other places where fun and learning are combined. If your adolescent or teen is having a good time while learning something new, it may be a great way to build self-esteem. For the older teen, a counselor in training job at one of these camps can be the right combination of learning and responsibility.
- PLAN A PROJECT
Have a room that needs redecorating? Maybe an outdoor project? Partner with your child to plan, design and build. Not handy? Your neighborhood hardware store or big box do-it-yourself store offer all kinds of classes.
- WORK ON TIME MANAGEMENT
Summer is a great time to hand over scheduling responsibility to your child. This is an opportunity to enforce the skills without the pressure of school. A simple way to start is to check each night about planned activities. Here are some questions you can ask:
What time do you need to wake up tomorrow morning?
I cannot wake you tomorrow. How will you wake up?
Do you need me to drive you anywhere tomorrow? If so, please set an appointment in your phone NOW and share it with me so that I have a reminder myself.
- FIND A SUMMER STUDY SKILL WORKSHOP
A number of universities and high schools offer study skill workshops designed for students who learn differently. For those students who are entering senior year of high school or if they are heading off to college in the fall, some universities offer summer transition programs. Check your local universities for their offerings.
- EXERCISE/PRACTICE A SPORT
Exercise is extremely important for students with ADHD. Many sports have summer leagues or fitness camps that your child can consider joining. If your child prefers something less structured, many gyms offer discounts for students. The great weather offers opportunities for outdoor exercise like running, surfing, or golf. There is something for everyone.
- PAY ATTENTION TO NUTRITION
Summer can be synonymous with junk food. We tend to be on the go, so meals at home are rare. The temptation to eat fast food or to grab an ice cream cone is high. Keep a bowl of fruit handy at home. When traveling, bring a bag full of nutrition bars and healthy snacks.
- CHECK ON MEDS
Has it been awhile since your child had a medication assessment? It might be wise to check with your physician over the summer, particularly if your child is transitioning from middle school to high school or from high school to college.
- TRY MEDITATION/MINDFULNESS
Meditation has been shown to help ADHD students. It settles the mind. Encourage your adolescent or teen to give meditation a try. Join a class or download an app.
- SORT THROUGH THE “STUFF”
Is your teen’s room a disaster zone? Find a place that takes donations. Call them and set up a day for pickup. This will give your teen a deadline to work with.
- SEEK SUPPORT
Summer is a good time to think about what kind of support you and your child will need during the school year. Is a psycho-educational evaluation needed to acquire college accommodations? Will your child benefit from therapy or coaching? Should you take some classes this summer on supporting your child? Come up with some options so that you can discuss them with your child.
Summer can be fun and relaxing. Enjoy your time with your adolescent/teen while they are still building skills. If you want to hear more about ADHD coaching or if you want to talk about a plan for the upcoming school year, please contact me.
Meet Coach Diane
I have been an ADHD and executive function coach since 2009. In addition to having my PhD in Human Services: Child Development and Family Studies, I hold a Professional Coach Certification (PCC) with the International Coach Federation. I have been a certified teacher for CHADD’s (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Parent to Parent program, Impact ADHD’s Sanity School for Parents, and The Nurtured Heart Approach.
