By Jane Sandwood
If your child has ADD or ADHD and you are planning your first ever camping trip as a family, you will probably be pleased to know that this is the ideal vacation for them. A University of Illinois study found that just a 20-minute walk in a natural setting can boost attention in kids with ADHD. As noted by the study's lead researcher, "Previous surveys suggest a relationship between children who regularly play in green spaces and how severe their symptoms are. Children who have regular exposure to green spaces have milder symptoms overall." Of course, a camping trip is not without its challenges for everyone in the family, especially when it is their first time. Ensure yours is an active, memorable trip by paying heed to a few important considerations.
This may be your first holiday in the great outdoors, but by no means should you throw your routine out the window. Before you leave, plan out your schedule. Key activities such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime should be predetermined. You can definitely give your kids leeway in terms of choosing camping activities they most love; if they could canoe or swim for ages, definitely allow them to enjoy these activities, but make sure that set breaks between activities take place at the same time every day.
It is no wonder that the Mediterranean diet is linked to a lower diagnosis of ADHD. This diet, which stresses the importance of quality protein sources, seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, and healthy Omega-3 fats, helps keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day, avoiding the mood swings and tiredness that result from a high-sugar diet. If you have a camper van, then keeping fruit and vegetables fresh will be no problem. However, if you won't have access to a fridge, only bring produce that keeps well without refrigeration. Your list may include apples, oranges, broccoli, beans, carrots, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, and peas in the pod.
Avoid surprises letting your child know all they can look forward to during your camping holiday. If you will be travelling for many hours, let them know the different cities you will be driving (or flying) through. Inform them if there will be transfer flights, let them know if you will have to stay somewhere overnight before arriving at your camping destination, and try to be as specific as possible so they don't feel overwhelmed by so many new places and experiences.
Draft a list of 'must-bring' items alongside your child, to keep them entertained during the journey. Think of items that comfort as well as entertain. Thus, if they always grab a specific blanket or pillow when they need calming, make sure these items are present. You might even look into new toys and gadgets you haven't considered before - everything from a liquid timer (which is colorful and irresistible for kids and adults alike) to noise reduction earmuffs. This will help if noises outside are too loud and distressing.
Camping with your child will undoubtedly be an experience to be treasured by the whole family. Nature calms and soothes, but also allows kids to expend all their energy in an open, unstructured setting. Make sure to stick to a routine, eat healthily, and bring all the games and items your child needs to feel that they aren't so far from home as it may sometimes seem.