My son and I take a lot of hikes. I don't take him anywhere that he will not be able to run around. We do go to a zoo near home quite often. It's very spread out, so he does a lot of walking. He does a lot better than I would have expected in museums, too - so long as he can move in them, he does okay. Not so great at children's museums - they are too stimulating.
The biggest thing with my son is that he knows in advance what I expect of him and what the concequences of misbehavior is.
But my best hint is to relax your expectations. I plan events for my son, and then I just go with the flow. For instance, we went to the zoo and he spent 45 minutes watching a butterfly collect nectar. There was a part of me that was going nuts - we're wasting time! - but I forced myself to relax and remember that we were there for him, and maybe he could have found a butterfly in our backyard, but that was what was interesting to him now so let it go.
Summertime is here for us. I am trying to think of some things to do that my daughter 10, my son 8, and my son 5 will all enjoy and will be safe doing. I would like to know some of the things that you guys do with yalls kids during the summer time. I think this summer will be a little harder, (Who am I try to kid, it will be alot harder...lol) since Jd no longer takes his meds any more. I am open to any suggstions. Jd loves animals I am just not sure if the zoo would be too stimulating for him or not. Especially since without his meds he cycles very quickly. The smallest things set him off. He is very quickly angered. It is all about controlling his melt downs and eliminating the situations that set him off the most. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks.Wow, thanks I will definately do my research for next year. I also worry how things are going to go next year during the school year. It has been almost two months for jd and no meds, i cant see his docs allowing him back on his meds. To be honest even though it is very hard and more stressful at times I am not sure that Having him on them is the best thing for his health. None the less thinks for your support.it wont help for this year, BUT think about this, our schools summer programs are not anything to brag about. There are several Mom's I know who got the district to pay for camps at summer programs designed for SPED kids. Generally working on social pragmatics. The hook to prove it needed to happen was to prevent regression..............think about it for next year...............start doing some research.........
my younger daughter doesnt have any real diagnosis, but gets OT/ SL/PT for some delay, so they have to allow her ito their early elementary "camp" run by the Speech and OT people for free, I got it for that reason to prevent regression in handwriting and social development.
what kind of museums do you find that your son likes most.look at your local parks and recreation department. If you live in a sizeable community they generally offer some decent summer activites. We live in a very small town, so ours doesnt offer much, but we are very close to the ocean and spend a LOT of time at the beach. LOTS of running and climbing space. My kids also both do cmap and summer program offered by their schools.I love the idea of the beach. There is one about 1 hour away. My sons school doesnt offer any summer programs. I think that it is great that yours does.My son loves art museums and science museums, but we have to time it right. If there are too many children around it overstimulates him.Have you thought about Horseback riding? It can be very therapeutic and if your child loves animals he might really enjoy it.
Swimming can also take out a lot of energy. Just be careful if you are going to a crowded public pool, that can be overstimulating and cause some impulsive behaviors.
Hikes are always great or even just long walks around town. Maybe walk to the park, even if it's 10 blocks away. It's a great way to get rid of energy.
Whatever you do make sure to take LOTS of snacks and drinks since their appetites go through the roof off of the meds.
Thanks for the suggestions. They are all wonderful ideas. i appreciate you guys.