Toy and Games for Kids with ADD ADHD

Toys and Games for Kids With ADD/ADHD

By Amy Patural, MS, MPH

Wondering how to pick the best toys and games for a child with ADD/ADHD? The trick is finding those that build self-confidence and self-esteem while encouraging your child's strengths.

It's no surprise that children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)/attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) have different needs than kids without the disorder — even when it comes to playtime.

"Children with ADD/ADHD really need to build their confidence," says Stephanie Oppenheim, cofounder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, an independent consumer organization that rates and reviews toys and other kids' materials. "As a parent, you need to be that child's cheerleader, and that means choosing toys that will give him or her an opportunity to succeed."

In fact, choosing the right playthings can help kids with ADD/ADHD focus better, gain self-confidence, and learn to interact appropriately with other children. Here are a few toy-selecting tips to help your ADHD child make the most out of playtime.

Play to the child's strengths.

If you know your child is good at math, for example, choose games that tap into those skills. "Casual computer games like Peggle, Bookworm, and Bejeweled are colorful and hold the kid's attention while also exercising some cognitive skills," says Carl Arinoldo, PhD, a psychologist in Stony Brook, New York, and author of Essentials of Smart Parenting: The Fine Art of Managing Your Children (Kroshka Books, 2007). "And when they finish a level, they get bells, whistles, and fireworks, which boosts their self-confidence and gives them a sense of accomplishment."

Remember, less is more.

Sure, bringing home an elaborate construction set or complicated puzzle may seem like a good idea, but it's also likely to intimidate a child with ADD/ADHD. What's more, he or she isn't likely to sit still long enough to complete the task. "Instead of buying the Lego set with a million pieces, buy the smaller set and work on it with your child," suggests Oppenheim. And lose the distractions. If your playroom looks like a toy store, your kid is more likely to get sidetracked.

Get creative.

Whether you give a child costumes, puppets, clay, crayons, or finger paint, creative play allows for imagination and positive interactions with other kids. Plus, role-playing, drawing, and painting give children an opportunity to express their emotions in a safe way. And since there's no right or wrong when it comes to art, it's easy to give the child positive reinforcement. You can even showcase your child's work in an art show or a play for friends and family.

Encourage physical activity.

Kids with ADHD tend to have a lot of energy. "Give them equipment to use that energy in positive ways," says Oppenheim. Let them run around, practice karate, or participate in other physical activities they enjoy. Toys and games that have a physical component are good choices, too — including video games like Wii, which incorporate movement into the game.

Play with your child.

Children with ADD/ADHD may be more likely to be rejected by their peers and tend to have fewer friends than children who do not have the disorder. So it's critical for parents to engage their kids. "I don't know of any child who will pass on the opportunity to play with their parents," says Oppenheim. "Just spend some time together with the TV off and the BlackBerry put away." In that way, you can model good behavior for your child and teach him or her how to stay focused, interact, and be a good winner or loser.

Source : http://www.everydayhealth.com