4 Ways to Support Children With ADHD in the Arts

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Children with ADHD tend to thrive in artistic environments. ADHD and other learning disabilities tend to come with intense emotions and communication difficulties, and the arts can help kids overcome these challenges. Engaging in artistic pursuits can also help kids build mental flexibility, problem-solving skills, and healthy coping skills. Do you think the arts could benefit your child? Check out the following tips from ADHD Nerd Dad to learn how you can support your child as they explore the arts!

Create an Art Space at Home

Setting up an at-home art space is a great way to get your kids excited about the arts. Consider turning a spare bedroom into an arts and crafts area where your kids can create freely without worrying about making a mess. TheArtPantry.com explains that a dedicated art space equipped with a wide variety of tools and supplies encourages kids to engage in open-ended artistic creation.

If you’re going to be doing any remodeling to design your art room, like knocking down walls or installing built-in shelving, be sure to document these changes. This will come in handy if you sell your home in the future. Tracking your home improvements will ensure you can report them to your home appraiser for a higher appraisal value!

Pursue Your Own Creative Passions

Children are like little mirrors. They reflect what they see and what’s going on around them. If you want your children to enjoy the arts, pursue your own artistic interests! For example, you could start a business as an art therapist or music teacher. If you decide to launch a business, consider forming an LLC first. An LLC offers several benefits, including personal liability protection and tax advantages. Check the LLC rules for your state and learn what it takes to form an LLC. Once you’re clear on the process, you can use an online formation service to skip the lawyer fees.

Explore Different Types of Art

Children with ADHD crave variety. Encourage your child to explore different types of art to keep things interesting! Your child could try painting, drawing, sculpting, making music, dancing, and even acting. Each type of art offers different benefits to kids with ADHD. For example, ADDitude explains that creating music can strengthen areas of the brain that tend to be weaker in children with ADHD, such as those related to language, reading comprehension, attention, and problem-solving.

As your child plays around with different forms of art, pay attention to their strengths and interests. You can even pass on this information to art teachers at school! Working with your children’s educators is a great way to ensure their needs are being met in the classroom.

Learn How to Talk About Your Child’s Art

How you talk to your kids about their art can have a significant impact on their artistic identities. Kids can easily lose interest in art when their artistic choices are questioned or criticized, as this reaction leads children to believe that art has expectations and rules. Try to remember that your child’s art is an extension of them, representing their thoughts and feelings about the world around them.

When you talk to your kids about their art, focus on inviting communication rather than offering suggestions, corrections, or opinions. You can do this by acknowledging their art and having your child lead the discussion. Ask them to tell you about their art, the materials they used, and the story they’re conveying. Try to offer encouragement about their effort and the process involved in creating the art rather than praising the finished product itself.

Encouraging your children to get involved in the arts is a great way to support their growth and development. Consider setting up an art space in your home where your kids can create and express themselves freely. Just remember to keep track of your improvements for future home appraisals!

For more great articles like this, be sure to visit the ADHD Nerd Dad blog.

Article By: Gwen Payne of http://invisiblemoms.com