By Jane Sandwood
If you have a child with ADD or ADHD, then without a doubt you know of the positive effects that being in the Great Outdoors can provide. One study found that children aged five to 18 benefited greatly from time spent in nature, with scientists noting that "A green dose could be a lifesaver for the 10 percent of children whose symptoms don't respond to medication, who are just stuck with the symptoms." One way to enjoy the UK's wide array of lush natural landscapes is to take a road trip; one in which time is a luxury to be enjoyed. Road trips can be a challenge, of course, especially if they involved driving long distances. The following tips may help to ensure that kids travelling in your vehicle have an enjoyable ride.
Time budgeting is always a good idea, but when travelling with a child with ADHD, you will need to factor in frequent stops, so that your child can enjoy plenty of active play outdoors while you take a break from driving. Research has shown that offering aerobic activities to younger children can really calm them down and help with inattentiveness and mood. When you are on a stop, encourage your child to enjoy a good run, or bring games such as frisbees or balls, which you can use to play and get your hearts racing, thereby benefitting from the calming effect of aerobic exercise.
If you are taking a long-distance trip in a campervan or RV vehicle, take advantage of the extra space by organizing a plethora of compartments with different toys and activities to keep your child entertained. Organize each compartment with different activity or game types, so that children don't pull out all items at once. Gather ideas regarding what items to bring by taking note of your child's favourite items and purchasing similar games or toys, surprising them with a couple of new items during moments when you need a little extra focus.
The interesting blog Traveling Mom recommends travelling by night whenever possible. The blog's author, whose son was diagnosed with severe autism, notes that driving by night means that on a long-haul trip lasting 17 hours, you could reduce the time kids are awake in the vehicle by around 10 hours. This can reduce the need for stops but also enable you to get from A to B quicker, since traffic is significantly reduced at night time.
It is vital to plan, shop for, and prepare healthy snacks to last the length of your trip. Food can trigger hyperactivity symptoms in children, especially when it contains high levels of sugar, chemical additives, and food dyes. Difficulties digesting dairy can also result in mood swings and headaches. Whole foods like nuts and fruits don't need any preparation time and best of all, they don't contain hidden colourings or other ingredients that can trigger a change in your child.
A long haul trip is a great way for parents and children to bond. To keep the ambience calm within your car or RV, ensure kids have well stored items to play with, and remember to stop frequently so the whole family can get active and let off steam. Fuel kids up on healthy snacks that are free of sugar and refined ingredients. Finally, remember to take it one step at a time, listing down strategies that work for the next time you travel on the road with your family.