Anyone with children knows the holiday season is an exciting time. From family gatherings to school activities to weekend fun, there’s so much to do and see together.
But when you’re raising a child with hyperactivity, it’s important to plan ahead so you can manage their seemingly endless reserve of energy with some quiet time. Doing so lets everyone relax and enjoy the season.
Here are some activity ideas to help your hyperactive child keep moving through the holidays.
Make your own “reindeer games”
Get everyone outside to play your family’s favorite games like Capture the Flag, Red Rover or tag. If you’re feeling creative, you could hand out noses or make each player a shirt with a different reindeer’s name on it.
Sign up for a Turkey Trot
A quick online search will help you find a Thanksgiving-themed fun run in your neighborhood. Can’t find one close enough? Invite friends and family to a local track and put on your own version. It could be a fun yearly tradition for your family.
Plan a day to explore different holiday traditions
Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, learning about different cultures and traditions is always a fun experience. Take a trip to the library to check out some books about holiday customs around the world. Try making potato latkes together or draw a kinara.
Wrap presents for a family in need
Giving back is such an important part of the holidays. “Adopt” a family through your local church or charitable organization, and spend the day collecting the items you plan to give them. Then, you can spend the day wrapping, cutting and taping to prepare the gifts for drop-off.
Swap in something festive
A fun activity doesn’t always have to tie in all sorts of energy. Sticking to a hyperactive child’s usual schedule and routine as much as possible can also make a big impact. So, go ahead and read a holiday-themed story at bedtime or give them a peppermint with lunch.
With the right strategies and ideas in mind, you’ll enjoy a spectacular holiday with your hyperactive child.
