ADHD Parenting Friendships and Activities
Toy car on the map 1/12
ADHD Friendly Travel Guide
You deserve this vacation. You’ve worked incredibly hard to earn this precious week away from the stresses of everyday life, so don’t let an ADHD family member upset you and ruin it. Use these travel tips to build clear plans and expectations into your vacation and learn how to keep track of everything you need along the way.
Brothers canoeing on the river 2 of 12
1. Choose the right location
If you’re not traveling to visit family, choose a destination that matches your child’s interests. Make sure the place incorporates activities that everyone will enjoy, including plenty of opportunities for your child with ADHD to run around outdoors. Involve your child in the planning process. Give them a map and ask them to research one interesting place to visit at the destination or along the way.
Calendar 3/12 red push pin
2. Outline important details
Mark your departure date on the calendar and communicate it to your children in advance. Communicate the itinerary to your children. Include a schedule that includes meals, bathroom breaks, and naps. Kids with ADHD do best with structure and routine. The trip will go smoothest if you create it. Explain if you’ll be staying the night, where your children will sleep, and how long you’ll be staying.
[Free Download: Routines for Morning and Night]
Three women wearing red clothes baking together 4 of 12
3. Introduce yourself and set expectations
If you’re staying with relatives over the holidays, print out photos of the people you’ll be visiting. Tell your child stories about the place you’ll be visiting to help ease any anxieties about new people and make everyone feel at ease when you arrive. Prepare relatives by explaining typical ADHD issues and how you will respond, so they’ll be more understanding of behavioral problems.
Back view of a girl playing a portable video game at home 5/12
4. Set the rules of the road
Make sure your kids understand that normal rules of behavior still apply, even while on vacation. Then add some travel-only rules, such as allowing Game Boy use on car rides but not during family dinners. Teach your kids what to do when things go wrong, such as “stop, think, relax.” Remind them of the rules at the relative’s house. Role-play areas where problems might arise to help your kids develop strategies.
[Read This Next: The Best Vacation Spots for ADHD Families]
Woman packing her suitcase 6/12
5. Use a packing checklist
Make sure you don’t forget anything by using one main packing checklist that covers all your necessary documents, clothing, toiletries, miscellaneous items and gadgets. Avoid overpacking – one suitcase per person per week-long trip. Reduce the amount of clothing you need by bringing versatile items like black pants and a stain remover pen instead of extra sweaters. Keep items you always need, like a travel umbrella, first aid kit and lint brush, in your suitcase all year round.
Passport 7/12
6. Give priority to official documents
Visa and vaccination information you need to know before you travel is available on the U.S. Department of State website. Pack the following items in your carry-on luggage so they are easily accessible: travel and reservation information, credit cards, cash, passport, medications, and a change of clothes. Make copies of important items and prescriptions in case they are lost or stolen.
[Free Download: Your Master Packing List]
Black woman smiling with cell phone 8 of 12
7. Use your phone to remind yourself
Use your cell phone as a personal reminder system. Leave yourself voice messages with your PIN number, where you parked at the airport, your hotel address, and your reservation information. Don’t identify the information. If you want to remember your PIN number 1795, leave a message saying that you found the shoes Suzie wanted on sale for $17.95. Then delete the information when you no longer need it.
A family with two young children checking in at the airport 9/12
8. Prepare for the airport
If you’re flying, dress comfortably for security and give each person a gallon-sized Ziploc bag to prevent anyone from losing anything in their pockets. Use the sandwich technique – dad or older kids go first, then younger kids, then mom – to make sure no one gets lost. Use the time before boarding to walk around the airport and burn off some excess ADHD energy. Keep copies of your itinerary and cell phone number in your kids’ pockets in case they get separated.
Three girls (ages 6-8) sitting in the back seat of a car on a road trip 10/12
9. Pack an entertainment bag
Prepare an entertainment bag and let your children choose items such as books, puzzles and mobile games. Bring snacks with you. Pack balls and frisbees to keep your children active during breaks. If your son won’t stop talking, give him a tape recorder to talk to and keep a verbal record of the trip. Prepare a reward chart with road rules and offer stars and snacks for good behaviour. Reward good behaviour early – don’t praise until the behaviour has begun.
Mother waking up her sleeping son 11/12
10. Maintain a good sleep routine
An overtired child can be cranky, and not getting enough sleep can worsen ADHD symptoms. Although they may stay up later while on vacation, try to stick to normal bedtimes and routines as much as possible. Remember the times of day your child is usually tired and plan accordingly to avoid panic attacks. Have essentials shipped to your destination or order grocery delivery to avoid unnecessary shopping trips.
A young girl is sitting at a work desk picking up glue from her hands 12/12
11. Record your good memories
Preserving lasting memories of your family trips will make everyone look forward to the next one. Help your kids create a memory album using keepsakes and photos they took while you were away. Encourage them to write about their trip in a scrapbook when they get home.
[ADHD on Vacation]
Tags: activities , summer learning ideas for kids with ADHD
Family Travel and Vacations: What to Read Next
