No chaos in the summer: the right way to build a routine for children with ADHD

Summer vacation is a period that many children look forward to, but for parents of children with ADHD, it can pose quite a few challenges. The departure from the fixed school framework, the change in daily routine, and the abundance of leisure time require parents to create a new daily schedule that will provide children with a sense of security, boundaries, and anchors.

"ADHD has long ceased to be perceived only as a medical diagnosis. In recent years, it has also become a social, cultural, and educational phenomenon that affects how children cope with daily demands," explains Dr. Michael Ashkenazi, head of the schools for vocational studies and continuing education at the Levinsky-Wingate Academic Center. According to him, alongside treatments and various adjustments, a combination of physical activity and simple behavioral tools can help children improve attention, self-regulation, and daily conduct.

"Children with ADHD are often perceived as 'dreamy' or 'impulsive,' but today it is clear that this is not about a lack of will or poor upbringing, but an organic trait in the brain that affects self-regulation, executive functions, and behavior," says Ashkenazi. "The result is difficulties with planning, persistence, delaying gratification, and filtering stimuli." However, he adds: "A structured environment alongside practicing self-control and persistence can help them cope better with challenges, strengthen their abilities, and allow them to realize their potential."

Why physical activity specifically?

"In recent years, more and more evidence is accumulating that physical activity is much more than a means of releasing energy. Vigorous aerobic activity causes the secretion of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which increase attention and concentration, and encourages the secretion of substances such as BDNF and VEGF, which contribute to the creation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus — an area in the brain responsible for learning and memory.

Since working memory is one of the central challenges for children and adults with ADHD, this process may contribute to improving attention, reducing stress, strengthening the sense of competence, and improving the ability for emotional and behavioral regulation. In addition, incorporating physical activity on a daily basis may significantly reduce behaviors such as impulsivity, temper tantrums, and difficulty with persistence."

Creating a framework and setting clear boundaries

Dr. Ashkenazi suggests 4 tools that will help you and the children cope with the challenge of summer vacation:

1. Creating a framework: It is recommended to set fixed times for waking up, meals, physical activity, screen time, and leisure activities. You can use a task board, a daily table, or a stopwatch that will visualize for the child what is expected during the day.

2. Dividing a task into small steps: A simple task like "tidy up the room" might seem like a complex and overwhelming chore to a child with ADHD. Instead of giving several instructions in a row, it is better to divide each task into short and clear steps. When giving instructions, stand close to the child, make eye contact, and ensure he is attentive.

3. Do not wait for the end of the day to give praise: Children with ADHD experience quite a few corrections during the day, so positive reinforcement should come immediately after the desired behavior. This will strengthen the sense of competence.

4. Avoid momentary concessions: Concessions due to being worn down might actually reinforce the unwanted behavior. Setting clear boundaries, alongside consistency in response, helps the child learn self-control and cope better even in frustrating situations.

---

Five simple activities to incorporate during the vacation

Dr. Ashkenazi says that you don't have to sign children up for another class to enjoy the benefits of movement. Even simple activities at home or in the park can contribute to attention and self-control:

• Walking or running together: Start with 5 or 10 minutes, depending on the children's age, while gradually extending the activity up to 30 minutes. Adapt the pace to the child and reinforce him for persistence.

• Ball games in a sequence: Throwing and catching a ball against a wall or with a family member strengthens persistence and focus.

• Home obstacle course: Moving between stations or tasks in a fixed order helps the child practice self-control and planning.

• "Stop" games: Activities in which the child jumps, runs, or stops only after a pre-agreed signal help practice impulse control.

• Structured sports: Swimming, running, cycling, and martial arts combine movement, coordination, and discipline.

"When physical activity is incorporated as part of the daily routine, alongside clear boundaries, adapted tasks, and positive reinforcements, children practice self-control and responsibility — tools that help them far beyond the playground," he said. "ADHD is not a decree of fate. When the environment understands the unique needs of the child, it is possible to turn the challenges into an opportunity for growth. Summer vacation can actually be the best time to start building new habits that will continue to accompany the child long after the summer ends."