Research is proving that fishing can be a natural remedy for symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). One study surveyed parents of 500 children with ADHD and found that simply spending time in the great outdoors while casting out a line can serve as a buffer for depression, anxiety, weak immune systems, and other psychological and physical factors of ADHD. Fishing can also teach children with ADHD to manage their restlessness, focus their attention, and stay calm during a fun activity. However, there are important considerations to take into account when bringing your child out on the lake. Consider some of these tips for your first fishing trip together.
You will want to teach your child everything he or she needs to know before bringing them close to the water. When you're at home, try casting and reeling in your own backyard so that they can get the hang of it. You should also teach them what each piece of fishing equipment does and how it helps them get their catch. However, be sure that you combine both visual and auditory lessons. When you talk about a piece of equipment, pick it up and show them what it looks like and what it does. Pairing visual and auditory cues can maximise instructional impact and ensure that the information will stay in your child's mind.
It can be easy for a child with ADHD to become discouraged. Since there are days when you might not even catch a fish, this can very quickly increase their feelings of frustration. Therefore, you'll want to add praise and encouragement during your trip. Let them know that the fish sometimes aren't hungry and that it's okay if they don't catch anything. Also, while you're teaching your child how to cast and reel, be sure to mix corrections with compliments. Reward their effort and hard work while fixing their posture or throw.
ADHD causes children to have shorter attention spans. Therefore, you may notice your child staring off into the distance while you're out fishing. If this happens, you should take a break. You can pull out some sandwiches and have lunch or simply chat about the day and different types of fish. This will help re-engage them in their activities and redirect their attention so that they can concentrate. You also don't want your child to become bored with the sport, so you'll want to make sure they're having fun and not letting their mind wander.
Children with ADHD sometimes need a lot of variety in their activities and routine to stay engaged. This can be hard when you're waiting for a fish to bite. However, children are great with using their imagination and coming up with interesting ways to pass the time. So, ask your child to imagine what's going on under the water and tell you a story about the fish that live there. You can also ask them to come up with a game to play while you wait for the fish to bite. This is a great way to increase engagement in the sport and re-energize your child's imagination.
Fishing is a great activity for you to enjoy with your child. However, you need to be sure that you're being safe, encouraging, and considerate so that everyone can have a fun first time.