| There seems to be an increase in ADHD (attention | | | | and dance. |
| deficit hyperactivity disorder) in our children lately. It | | | | Other activities to keep a child interested art the boy |
| should be a goal of any good after school program to | | | | scout and girl scout programs. These activities not |
| address this issue in the ADHD child. Good after | | | | only improve the child's social skills but afford them the |
| school programs to help such children requires parents | | | | opportunity of doing community improvement activities |
| to do some local research to find these special | | | | and social work. Some of these things that they do |
| programs that keep the child busy and interested. | | | | is to clean up a park or help neighbors in need. Other |
| Physical exercise programs are very beneficial and | | | | activities include participation in church programs such |
| should be one of the first considerations in searching | | | | as helping the poor or aging persons with their |
| for a program for your child. Physical exercise | | | | shopping or chores. |
| programs help to stimulate the brain and at the same | | | | Some of the activities that should be a no-no to the |
| time burn excess energy. Activities of a team nature | | | | hyperactive child are TV and video games which can |
| help to stimulate and teach social skills and disipline. If | | | | be stimulating to the brain but doesn't help the |
| your child isn't interested in team sports you might get | | | | hyperactive child in burning off that excess energy. |
| them interested in other physical disiplines such as | | | | Any program that your child is engaged in should be |
| dance, swimming, track and field or gymnastics. | | | | monitored closely to be sure that the child is |
| Another physical activity which may interest them is | | | | progressing. If not then the program should be |
| martial arts which teaches patience, self-control and | | | | changed. Trying to keep the child as near normal as |
| self-defense. | | | | possible is challenging but rewarding. Understanding |
| I your child isn't interested in sport type activities, there | | | | their needs and limitations should help you in selecting |
| are alternatives that still offer an outlet for excess | | | | the proper after school activity for your child to help |
| energy. These programs include acting, music, art | | | | them grow with fulfilling, stimulating learning exercises. |