Summer is in full swing; school is out, the sun is shining, and the days are hot. Now that your kids have plenty of free time, you can add swimming to the top of their to-do lists. Here are 5 reasons why your child with ADHD should swim this summer:
1.Exercise is essential for children with ADHD. Studies have shown that children with ADHD tend to have less dopamine in their bodies. Dopamine is a chemical in your body which helps you to focus and to have a clear mind. It is released while exercising, which is why it is important for your child to exercise daily.
2. Swimming is a great exercise for children with ADHD. Some children with ADHD have difficulties with gross motor skills, and swimming can be helpful in developing coordination. While swimming, children strengthen their core and work on the skills of coordinating their legs with their arms. Practicing this in the water can be extremely helpful to your child’s gross motor skills on land.
3. Many children with ADHD seek sensory input. The pool offers deep pressure for children who are under-stimulated. The water can also be helpful to decrease sensory sensitivity for children who tend to be overstimulated. Find more sensory strategies for your child here.
4. One of the best parts about swimming, is that it is mostly an individual activity. This works best for some children with ADHD. Your child might be able to focus better on their actions, without the distraction of others. Swimming offers moments of socialization, where a child can feel that they are part of a team, or they can play a game with another child while in the pool, but they can also feel satisfied swimming alone.
5. Children with ADHD tend to have more energy that they need to burn, and the pool is a great place to release that excess energy. There are many activities that they can do in the pool, from swimming laps, diving for toys, practicing their cannon balls, or playing games with friends, the possibilities are endless.
Pool Safety!
Keeping your child safe in the pool is a priority. Children with ADHD tend to be impulsive, so it’s important to be proactive when your child is near a pool. Don’t forget to:
- Always use flotation devices
- Provide your child with swimming lessons
- Install a fence around the pool
- Role play and thoroughly discuss the rules of the pool
- ALWAYS make sure an adult is supervising your child, accidents can happen very quickly when it comes to swimming.