33. Helping Neurodivergent Kids Manage Free Time in the Summer

Learn with Dr. Emily

Parents, we’re in the thick of it. Summer.

I don’t know about you, but this summer is already feeling more hectic than any in recent memory. Is this the first full-out summer since the pandemic? Am I just running low on parent stamina? Or is it just that driving my kids to activities feels like an additional part-time job? Whatever the reason, I’m here to commiserate with you. I’m also here to encourage you to do less. Yep, less. Do less and teach your kid what to do with that free time.

If you are raising a child with ADHD and have to plan every second of their summer for them, you’re already getting tired of hearing, “but I’m so bored!” And, if you are raising a child who hates playing outside and is happy as a clam inside the house, you might be worried about their vitamin D levels. Summer is about balance.

Let’s build some social and independence skills but not wear ourselves out so much that we don’t reap the rewards of rest.

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