Parents, finding engaging activities tailored to your child’s unique needs can be challenging. So, what games are good for ADHD? We’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of games and activities that not only entertain your child but also help them develop essential skills. You can easily incorporate these activities into your child’s daily routine. From board games to physical activities, these options will captivate your child’s attention while supporting their growth and development.
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Board Games: Boosting Focus and Social Skills with Goally
Let’s start with board games. These timeless classics are not only entertaining but also beneficial for kids with ADHD. They encourage focus, patience, and social skills. Here are some top picks:
- Memory Games: Games like “Concentration” or “Memory” challenge your child to remember and match pairs of cards. These games improve working memory and attention to detail.
- Strategy Games: “Chess” and “Checkers” require players to think ahead and plan their moves. These games help develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Cooperative Games: “Pandemic” and “Forbidden Island” are examples of cooperative games where players work together to achieve a common goal. These games promote teamwork, communication, and social skills.
Read more: How Do People With ADHD Think?
For example, playing board games can help your child practice taking turns, following rules, and interacting with others. These skills are crucial for kids with ADHD, who may struggle with impulsivity and social interactions. Goally’s customizable schedules and visual timers can help your child stay on track and manage their time effectively during game sessions.
Physical Activities: Channeling Energy and Enhancing Coordination with Goally
Physical activities are essential for kids with ADHD, as they help channel excess energy and improve focus. Moreover, they enhance motor skills and coordination. Here are some fun options:
- Tag: This classic game is perfect for burning off energy while improving agility and speed.
- Obstacle Courses: Set up a backyard obstacle course with cones, hula hoops, and other items. This activity encourages planning, coordination, and perseverance.
- Yoga: Yoga promotes mindfulness, relaxation, and body awareness. Try incorporating kid-friendly poses and sequences into your child’s routine.
Meanwhile, during these activities, your child will also learn to follow instructions, work on their balance, and develop their gross motor skills. All of these benefits contribute to a well-rounded and active lifestyle for your neurodivergent child. Goally’s built-in reward system can help motivate your child to participate in these activities and track their progress over time.
Video Games: Engaging the Mind and Enhancing Cognitive Skills with Goally
Contrary to popular belief, not all video games are bad for kids with ADHD. In fact, some games can help improve cognitive skills and focus. However, it’s essential to choose games that are age-appropriate and limit screen time. Here are some recommendations:
- Puzzle Games: “Tetris” and “Bejeweled” are examples of puzzle games that require players to think quickly and strategically. These games help improve spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
- Adventure Games: “Minecraft” and “The Legend of Zelda” series encourage exploration, creativity, and planning. These games can help develop attention to detail and persistence.
- Educational Games: “Brain Age” and “Big Brain Academy” are designed to challenge and improve various cognitive skills, such as memory, attention, and processing speed.
After that, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. While video games can offer benefits, excessive screen time can have negative effects. Establishing healthy boundaries and balancing screen time with other activities will ensure your child reaps the rewards of gaming without the drawbacks. Goally can help you set screen time limits and create a balanced schedule for your child.
Read more: What are Social Skills for Kids?
Art and Craft Activities: Fostering Creativity and Fine Motor Skills with Goally
Art and craft activities are excellent for kids with ADHD, as they provide a creative outlet and help develop fine motor skills. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Painting: Encourage your child to experiment with different types of paint and techniques, such as finger painting, watercolors, or acrylics.
- Clay Modeling: Working with clay or playdough helps improve hand strength and dexterity while fostering creativity.
- Collages: Creating collages with various materials, such as magazine clippings, fabric, and buttons, can help improve focus and attention to detail.
In the same vein, art and craft activities can also boost your child’s self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. By providing opportunities for self-expression and creativity, you’re helping your child develop a positive self-image and a love for learning. Goally’s task management features can help you incorporate art and craft activities into your child’s daily routine, ensuring they have ample opportunities to explore their creativity.
Goally | Fun Games that Build Motor Skills & Manage Screen Time
Looking for ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable? Try Goally’s fun & motor planning apps.
Our Balloons & Graffiti Street Apps are all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids learn to “pop the balloons” or draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. Meanwhile, Game Garage is a parent-controlled space filled with entertaining (but parent-controlled) video games that kids can unlock with the points they earn from completing routines.
Embrace the Power of Play for Your Child’s Growth
So, what games are good for ADHD? By incorporating a mix of board games, physical activities, video games, and art projects, you can create a fun and supportive environment for your neurodivergent child. With Goally’s learning tablet and apps, you can easily manage your child’s activities, track their progress, and celebrate their achievements. Remember, play is a powerful tool for learning and growth, so embrace it and watch your child thrive!
This post was originally published on 05/22/2023. It was updated on 11/08/2023.
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