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Am looking for suggestions for activites for my almost 4 year old daughter.  We are in the process of having her evaluated for ADHD.  Her siblings and mother also have ADHD.  I have the pleasure of staying home with her and am looking for various activites to stimulate her.  This summer I signed her up for a beginners sports class (T ball, soccer, & kickball).  Just basic stuff.  This was so painful to watch.  While the coaches were setting things up, she was wandering off, 10 times more than the other 3-4 year olds.  Anyway, THAT type class was not a good match for her.  She enjoyed a Mom and Me Dance Class and a Mom and Me Yoga.  Does anyone else have any ideas or experiences or suggestions for something/  Thanks.

Carol

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Parent Replies to "Looking for suggestions for class/activities for ADHD 4 year old"

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michellea
michellea September 30, 2009
Re: Looking for suggestions for class/activities for ADHD 4 year old
I second Healthy's advice - Martial Arts is great and there are Dojo's (Karate Studios) that often specialize in helping kids with attention or learning difficulties. Most will offer free trials to be sure that it is a good fit.

Sometimes you can find play groups that meet weekly at someone's house or better yet at a playground. This is a good opportunity to burn off steam and build social skills.

My son also did gymnastics - again, it was better than a team sport because there was very little waiting around, it was in a small group of 8 kids or less, and there was plenty of movement.

I have seen movement and dance classes advertised in my area - not sure if this would be an interest - but again with the right instructor and a small group, this could be fun.

Best of luck!
Treehugger
Treehugger September 29, 2009
Re: Looking for suggestions for class/activities for ADHD 4 year old
Thanks healthy11. I have heard people mention martial arts were good. I have never really considered it, but will give it a try.
healthy11
healthy11 September 28, 2009
Re: Looking for suggestions for class/activities for ADHD 4 year old
Believe it or not, martial arts classes are considered very good for students with learning differences. Not all instructors will teach 3/4 year olds, but my son's Tae Kwon Do program was affiliated with Martial Arts America, and the gentleman and his wife (who were both black belt instructors) had 3 "highly active" sons of their own, and plenty of experience with children of all ages. The benefit of programs like martial arts is that the kids can all generally be working on something (a kick, a hand move, etc) at the same time, without a lot of "waiting around" for other kids to take their turns, or fancy equipement to be set up. It teaches self-discipline, but is also a very visual, interactive sport. As kids get older, if they stay with it, they develop a sense of being on a team, and seeing the same kids at practices, but it's their own practice and determination that determines how they'll progress through the ranks. That's far better than trying to be a goalie or a catcher on a "competitive team" where if you lose focus and miss the ball, etc., the kids incur everyone else's wrath! Another good activity is supposed to be swimming, but my son was slender and "froze" in the water as a youngster. Perhaps it'll be a better experience for you to try.

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