How to help manage children’s ADHD symptoms during the holidays

Who doesn’t love being on holiday? Holiday times are exciting, but for a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) it can also become overwhelming and challenging, especially when it involves a break in routine.

Here’s how you can help your child reduce some of the anxiety and stress that can make ADHD symptoms spike.

First, what is ADHD?

ADHD is a chronic disorder that can affect a person’s behaviour, including being:

• Inattentive,
• Hyperactive, and
• Impulsive.

In children, ADHD symptoms are observed as distraction, unable to complete tasks and often interrupting others. In adults, the symptoms show up as anxiety, mood swings, procrastination, depression and relationship problems.

Medication is recommended to manage ADHD symptoms and so are coping techniques that can make a difference, especially over the holidays.

Enjoy stress-free holidays with these helpful tips

Plan ahead

Holiday travelling can be stressful, as people spend more time on the road because of traffic, queues at rest stops, and getting stuck with delayed flights.

Plan ahead to make sure travel disruptions don’t affect regular meal times or when a child’s medication should be taken.

Holiday diet

Families often go overboard with desserts over the holidays, but increased sugar in a child’s diet can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Plan healthy, balanced meals and snacks. Be sure to include fruit and vegetables, and lots of water. All this will maintain more consistent energy levels. 

Structure activities for children

Holidays mean a lot of free time, but for children with ADHD this time should be used productively. Plan enough fun activities so children don’t get bored and so they stay out of trouble.

Ask your children what they’d like to do. Activities of their choice will keep them more engaged, and guarantee a more fun and relaxing time for the family.

Stick to a sleep routine

It’s easy to lose track of time and stay up all night in the holidays, especially when there’s no reason to wake up early. However, a lack of sleep can mean a child is less focused the next day.

Try as much as possible to keep to a good sleep routine, which includes no screen time before bed.

Don’t stop treatment

Holiday time doesn’t mean taking a break from ADHD treatment. Stick to the regular treatment schedule recommended by your doctor, and avoid symptoms returning or worsening.

These tips for managing ADHD symptoms are a great way to plan for a relaxing holiday. Everything won’t always go according to plan, and it’s important not to stress.

For more resources, advice and support, follow the Our Mental Health Facebook page, where Sanofi in partnership with Janssen offer practical resources for parents, guardians and support systems of people living with ADHD.