Never a Dull Moment: The Power of Parents in the Extracurricular Activities of ADHD Students

Embrace the Magic of Support and Involvement

As we all know, ADHD is a cognitive condition that affects the daily life of individuals. But, given the right support from parents, it can be a superpower. Children with ADHD always have excess energy that they innately do not know how to channel because they are still children that are discovering who that want to be and what they love to do.

There are two major types of ADHD: Hyperactive and Inattentive. The Hyperactive Type is what most of us picture when we hear "ADHD": The child who is constantly fidgeting, moving around, or talking when something pops in their head. However, The Inattentive Type also has copious reserves of energy they are constantly using: namely the energy of daydreaming and imagination.

This extra energy makes a child "different, not less." While these differences can create obstacles in the classroom, and at home, they can also be invaluable superpowers that parents can provide training to turn their children into real-life superheroes!

Benefits of Parental Support

Parents, you hold the key to unlocking your child's potential! Your involvement in your child's extracurricular activities can make a world of difference. By actively participating and showing support, you provide a sense of security and encouragement that fuels your child's confidence. Research shows that parental involvement in extracurricular activities can lead to improved academic performance, enhanced self-esteem, and strengthened social skills in children with ADHD.

How You Support and Be Involved in Your Child's Extracurricular Activities When You're Already Very Busy?

1. Encourage exploration and curiosity. When your child shows a hyperfocused interest in a topic such as art, nature, sports, or science, give them opportunities to experience the topic in a hands-on manner.

   
   

   My parents were always taking my sister and I on weekend trips to the local science museum when we were interested in astronomy or dinosaurs so we could experience these things firsthand, away from television and the internet. Furthermore, when I started to show an interest in basketball, my parents signed me up for a local basketball league, one that welcomed beginners and actually enabled me to pick up some decent skills with shooting, dribbling, and guarding.

   
   

2. Communicate and show authentic interest. As you drive them to and from these activities, ask them "Did you enjoy yourself?" "What did you enjoy about it?" Always listen and think about what life skills your child is developing by being involved in karate, swim team, or robotics and remind them how these things will come in handy as an adult.

   
   

3. Sign them up for something they hadn't even considered. I never showed an interest in baseball, but my parents signed me up for Little League anyways. It was there in my three years of Little League that I learned two very valuable things about myself: 1)I love talking to people and making new friends. I always looked forward to interacting with the other kids on the team! 2)I may not care about playing baseball all that much, but I really love watching the teams play. This led to a lifelong love of Major League Baseball. I still look forward to the Playoffs and the World Series.

   
   

   I may not have developed skills as a baseball player (or cared to develop those skills), but that experience is one that still shapes me to this day.

   
   

   Always let your child try something that isn't on their radar. They may very well discover a new love and interest.

   
   

4. Celebrate their achievements but also work on their weaknesses. While encouragement is a big way you can be involved in your child's extracurricular activities, they can also provide an opportunity for addressing needs and overcoming challenges.

   
   

   The first sport my parents ever signed me up for was Little League Soccer. It was in this first team sport that my parents discovered that I had ADHD. While I often absorbed the enthusiasm of crowds, I never knew which of the fast-moving people on the field I was supposed to focus on. It was through asking me about my struggle to focus that my parents began the journey of my diagnosis and set me up for success as early as age 6.

Final Thoughts: Empowerment through Support

Unlocking the potential of students with ADHD requires a collective effort from parents, educators, and the community. By fostering a supportive and engaging environment through extracurricular activities, we empower these students to thrive and shine bright. Remember, a little support can go a long way in nurturing the talents and abilities of these remarkable individuals.

So, parents, strap on your cheerleading hats, and open your child's doors to encouragement, exploration, and self-improvement. Together, let's unlock the endless possibilities and potentials of our students with ADHD through the secret power of parental involvement in extracurricular activities!

If you want to know more about how your child can succeed through extracurricular activities and integrating them with academics, you can always reach out to me for my ADHD Tutoring Services. I give free consultations and would love to help you with your child any way I can.

Feel free to reach me here: https://www.bbtutor.net/contact

Let's work together and help your child reach success!