Strategies for Christmas shopping with the ADHD child.
Holiday shopping can be exciting and memorable, but without a plan it can be a nightmare. Plan an energy activity before you start. Remember that kids with ADHD seem to never run down. If they have a chance to run off some of the extra energy, waiting in a line to see Santa will be more doable.
Hyperactivity Helps Use some of that extra energy as well to help out on the shopping trip. Carrying a bag, pushing a cart, or making a trip to the end of the aisle to get one more package of something can help out parent and work off some the child’s energy.
Take some fiddle gadgets. Busy fingers keep overactive minds occupied. Little activities can make all the difference.
Shopping Schedules for Special Needs Kids Pick and choose shopping times. Everyone will be less stressed if the crowds are small and the noise level is low. Try to plan shopping outings when your clan is fresh and others are elsewhere. For example, consider having an early meal and then using the dinner hour to shop.
Decide a time limit on the shopping. The phrase shop 'til you drop is really not so wise. Put a reasonable time limit on the shopping spree. The head for home even if everyone seems to still be in good spirits. It is always better to end on a positive note than to push it to the limits and have the entire family dread the next trip to the mall.
Plan breaks and food. Have a plan to eat. Make sure the kids understand that there will be a break – with a treat. Hungry kids are crabby kids. Feeling rewarded and full can add precious minutes to your shopping time.
Know when to call it quits. Sometimes it is necessary just to go on home. Maybe there were bigger crowds than you expected. Perhaps everyone was tired before they started. Maybe someone is fighting a cold. When it is time to stop, just stop.
Plan Other Holiday Activities Remember to enjoy other activities and events than just shopping. Music, movies, drives to see the lights, and baking Christmas cookies are great ways to enjoy the season. The necessary shopping will get done.
Child-swap for longer shopping outings. Acknowledge that your kids may not be able to tolerate too many shopping outings. Make arrangements to take care of another family’s children while they shop in exchange for the same opportunity for yourself.
Keep shopping in perspective. Remember the Reason for the holiday.
