129 million children around the world have ADHD, data from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation reveals. If your child's one of these children, planning their birthday party requires extra special consideration. The location and activities need to be fun without causing him or her to become overwhelmed or overstimulated. The timing and guest list should be tailored to suit your child's unique needs. And the menu needs to be tasty yet largely free from refined sugar to keep his or her mood stable. With the following tips, you'll be all set to throw an amazing party for the birthday boy or girl.
Children with ADHD love familiarity, so throwing the party in a new location may be unwise. Your child is likely to be most comfortable in a venu they already know well, your back garden or local park, for example. If your child wants to have the party elsewhere, you could let them visit beforehand, so they have a chance to familiarise themselves with the area. For activities, consider hiring a bouncy castle, trampoline, or rock climbing wall. Exuberant activities are ideal if your child experiences hyperactivity and doesn't like sitting still. Above all, make sure to ask your child what he or she wants to do at the party. Be open to their ideas, but if they suggest something which would result in sensory-overload or fail sustain their focus, gently explain this to them and suggest a more suitable activity.
Don't let the party drag on too long. Two to three hours is ideal to avoid overstimulation or loss of interest. When it comes to time of day, consider when your child usually feels happiest. Mornings or afternoons? It's also a good idea to time the party with when your child's medication takes effect (if they're on any). Limiting the invite list to just close family and a few friends is also preferable. Your child may be uncomfortable and overwhelmed around too many people. With fewer people to interact with, your child will feel less pressured and find it easier to socialise.
Fun food is a staple at every birthday party. However, some children with ADHD are sensitive to refined sugar, artificial food coloring, and caffeine which may result in increased hyperactivity. If this is the case for your child, leave the sweets, soda, and other sugary snacks off the menu in favour for healthier treats. Think fresh fruit kebabs dipped in coconut yogurt, protein-rich, wholemeal finger sandwiches (filled with hummus or tuna and cucumber), dark chocolate-covered fruit, whole wheat oatmeal raisin cookies, and cold fruit smoothies. Of course, cake is essential at a birthday party. Healthier cake options include banana bread with whipped cream, raw carrot cake, or chocolate yogurt cake.
With these tips, you'll have a much easier time planning an amazing birthday party for your child. But ultimately, each child with ADHD is unique. If you need to make adjustments to suit your child's disposition, do so. It's also helpful to go over the party itinerary several times with your child. If they're happy and know what to expect on the big day, the party should go off without a hitch.