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A TT E N T I O N D E
F I C I T / H Y P E R A C T I V I T Y D I S O R D E R
Major Concern
A lot is still not known about the effects of exercise
and levels of arousal for children who have problems with impulsive behavior
and/or staying on task. What we know is that kids who are physically active
in a controlled and fun way benefit. A common myth is that children with
attention deficit need to “burn off” energy any way possible so they can
focus later. This is not true and may teach the wrong lesson if a child is
allowed to run wildly on a play ground or in the back yard. Later when the
child is expected to play cooperatively with other kids, then it is hard
for him to play cooperatively if physical activity is viewed as “free
time”. We know that it is important for kids to play and to have freedom to
make decision.
Suggestion
Physical activity with set boundaries and periods of
stop and go help children understand that there is a time and place for
movement. Letting kids move to burn off energy is part of playing at home;
however, play time is also a good opportunity to help kids understand
self-control. Setting limits starts by making sure that parents and
siblings model appropriate play. Playing with kids and using cooperative
games such as partner rope jumping and even small parachute games is
recommended. Small parachutes can be purchased that require only two or
three people to inflate. This teaches children that fun is had by
cooperating since the parachute cannot be lifted without slow and
coordinated movement by several people. Children are also hanging on to the
chute which helps keep kids close while they are active. Fast movements and
slow movements can also be incorporated as well as times of rest were one
child lay under the chute while the remaining players make a cool breeze.
Other suggestions include games where the object is to
lay still the longest rather than move the fastest etc. Any playground or
home activities can be appropriate as long as parents realize that letting
children run uncontrolled in a setting such as a playground teaches kids
that this is a place where there are no rules and later when school recess
time comes, the child may behave in a way that does not fit with school
expectations. Teaching kids that movement is enjoyable and most fun when others
also play is an important lesson that parents can start at home.
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