Supporting teens with ADHD through activities that help develop their executive functions would be a great way to spend the remainder of summer before school starts. Here are some activities that can aid in improving skills such as planning, organizing, time management, and self-regulation with some scriptural reference for inspiration.
Activities to Enhance Executive Functions
Physical Exercise: 1 Timothy 4:8 states, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come". Physical exercise works like ADHD medications to improve focus. Also, improved strength will build confidence and endurance.
2. Organizational Games and Activities: Proverbs 15:32: "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding".
Games like chess, Scrabble, and Risk promote strategic thinking and planning.
Solving puzzles, Sudoku, or playing games like Tetris can improve problem-solving and spatial awareness. *** Consider doing games apart from your phone or computer. The actual physical act in playing these games and doing these puzzles will stimulate more areas of the brain.
3. Time Management Skills: Ephesians 5:15–16: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil".
Calendaring: Learning to plan the week ahead on a calendar is a life saving skill. It will gives a better grasp of one's agenda and prevents embarrassing conflicts and missed appointments.
Setting Timers and alerts: Using timers or alarms for tasks can help manage time and build an awareness of how long activities take. A better awareness of time will prevent wasting it away on frivolous pursuits like scrolling too long.
4. Creative Outlets: 1 Timothy 4:14–15: Believers should not neglect the spiritual gifts they receive, and should give their full attention to them.
Those of us with ADHD run on interest, not importance. What are your teens strengths? Are they creative? For musical people, will listening to music while working make it more interesting? Enlisting individual interests and gifts will make work easier.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Psalm 119:15-16 I will meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways. I will delight in your decrees: I will not neglect your word.
Meditation: Simple meditation practices can improve focus, emotional regulation, and stress management.
Deep Breathing Exercises: These can help manage anxiety and improve concentration.
6. Structured Learning Activities: "Abide in Me, and I in you" (John 15:4). I believe that God encourages learning, routines and hard work at school and on the job. If we believe this to be true, how could abiding in Him while at work be helpful? Ask your teen what abiding in the Lord while working would look like. Or, better yet, try it for yourself and share the results! Here are some other possibilities.
Homework Routines: Establishing a consistent homework routine with breaks can improve focus and task completion.
Gamify your work: Interactive and fun educational games can reinforce learning and executive function skills.
7. Body Doubling: Proverbs 19:20: "Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise"
Study Buddies: Working alongside a peer or a mentor while doing homework or studying can improve focus and accountability.
Shared Workspaces: Using shared workspaces like libraries or study rooms with others can create a sense of structure and reduce procrastination.
Virtual Body Doubling: Utilizing video calls or online study groups can provide similar benefits, offering real-time support and motivation.
Sources
Child Mind Institute: "Activities to Strengthen Executive Function" - This resource provides an overview of various activities and strategies to support children and teens with ADHD in developing executive function skills. Child Mind Institute
Understood.org: "8 Fun Ways to Improve Your Child's Working Memory" - Offers a variety of activities that can help enhance working memory, a key component of executive function. Understood.org
ADDitude Magazine: "14 Activities That Help Kids with ADHD Build Social Skills" - This article includes practical activities and games that support social skill development and executive function. ADDitude Magazine
Harvard University Center on the Developing Child: "Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence" - Provides a comprehensive guide to activities for various age groups to enhance executive function skills. Harvard University
These activities and resources can provide a well-rounded approach to supporting teens with ADHD in improving their executive function skills. If you have a teen that needs support, book a free call today.
Comments