Navigating the Holidays: 5 Tips for Your Child With ADHD

The holidays are here, and life is hectic. Your child likely has special programs at school that preempt their regular school day. 

If they’re engaged in after-school activities, there are likely parties in addition to regular sports practices or club meetings. Add that to family parties and other events, such as school concerts held at night, and your schedule may be stretched to its limits. 

All of the extra stimulation can cause your loved one with ADHD to spiral out of control. At AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, our team, led by board-certified pediatric neurologist Dr. Charles Niesen, not only treats your child with ADHD, but also guides you, the parent, to help your child keep on track during this special time. 

Following are five tips to help your child and family navigate the holidays. 

1. Review expectations for behavior

Although the holidays are hectic, continue to hold regular family meetings. Engage your child in problem-solving as their age dictates. 

Before your child goes to a party, concert, or another child’s house, review expectations for how they’re to act in that environment. 

Remind them about using their inside voice in other people’s homes. Role-play the situation and prompt your child to display expected appreciation (thank you, please, etc.) and behavior. Explain the consequences for not meeting these expectations.

2. Use visual aids to help your child know what to expect 

Holiday events often preempt routine. Holiday concerts, parties, and shows may create wrinkles in your normal weekly schedule. 

Your child thrives on routine. Using a large wall calendar that everyone in the family can see is helpful. Encourage your teen to use the calendar on their phone. If possible, review the schedule for the day in the morning, so your loved one is prepared for any changes to their normal routine. 

3. Bring aids when traveling or during times your child has to wait 

If your child is a teen, they’ll distract themselves with their phone during travel or when waiting for a sibling’s event to conclude. If they’re younger, bring along noise-canceling headphones, stress balls, fidgets, coloring books, dry-erase boards, and similar tools to help your child regulate their behavior while waiting for others or traveling. 

4. Create physical fun after sedentary periods

Have fun after a long period of traveling or waiting on others. Turn on your child’s favorite music and have a 10-minute dance party. See how many jumping jacks they can do in two minutes. 

5. Create time when your child has your complete attention

Your child with ADHD may have more extreme ups and downs during the holidays. Find a time every day when you and your child have a chance to bond. If the holidays interrupt that schedule, make sure you create an alternate time to listen and engage them. 

Call AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today for expert treatment of childhood ADHD.