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Extracurricular activities are great for children — especially those who have been diagnosed with ADHD — as long as you find the right fit. I enrolled my child in karate. I thought it would be a great way for her to use her energy and practice focusing. Although she did well in class, her anxiety got the best of her on testing days. While the other kids were excited about earning their next belt, mine had a panic attack, so I pulled her out.
She is artistic, so I enrolled her in a drawing class. Every week, she’d come home with a magnificent drawing that I complimented her on and hung up. Halfway into the session, though, she told me she wasn’t enjoying the class. She didn't like being told what to draw, or the fact that the other students were drawing the same thing that she was. I took her out of the class.
So I tried something different this year. I enrolled her in a drama class, and I practiced her lines with her. On the day of the play, I was the first one there. When she delivered her lines, she blew me away. She was focused and confident, and was having the time of her life. Her drama experience has boosted her self-esteem. She now has the confidence to thrive with ADHD, and I will be cheering her along.
Great Sports and Activities for Kids with ADHD
Guidelines for finding a sport or extracurricular activity that fits your child’s interests. Download now!
