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Saying No to Camp for ADHD Boy
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My son is 9 yrs old and very ADHD. He would have an opportunity to go away to a summer camp for a few days this summer. However, I am not going to let him although most of his friends at church are going. There are a few reasons why: Although my son will be 9 1/2 at the time, socially, he is more like a 7 yr old; the children at the camp have quite a bit of free range and I don’t believe my son will have the maturity or wisdom with which to handle himself. I understand that at times the children are essentially on their own. I still have to remind my son to look before he crosses the street so I don’t think he would handle himself in an appropriate way.
How do I handle telling him no and why? What is a nice way to handle this? The money isn’t the issue, but the camp itself. My son easily gets overstimulated when there is no structure or a lot of noise. I am just now taking him out of AWANA’s at my church because of all of the chaos and the way AWANA pushes memorizing Scripture in exchange for rewards without understanding the Scripture. I feel like my son doesn’t get to do things that other kids do sometimes because it isn’t a good fit for him. I know it makes him feel left out. Thoughts? Suggestions?
We deal with a similar issue (having to say no to things other kids are doing) but for different reasons (health issues). Honestly? It’s just plain hard. Even harder is trying to explain why her brother gets to do these things, and she can’t. 🙁
I would suggest trying to find an acceptable alternative. I know our local Bible camp offers a) camps for special needs children that have far more structure and oversight b) family camps where the entire family goes together for a weekend. Perhaps look for one of those?
If not, what about a day camp program where you drop him off in the morning and pick him up in the afternoon? Check at a local children’s hospital – often they host or know of camps for children with special needs such as ASD, ADHD etc….
Or, what about enrolling him in a more structured activity/sport that he enjoys? Soccer, swimming, baseball, or horseback riding (equine therapy can be amazing!)
Or, can you try and go away together as a family camping somewhere? Perhaps even invite a special friend to come with you?
I agree, it’s important for children with “different” needs to be able to feel like they can still do normal, fun things. Very important in fact. So, I would just focus on finding something fun for him to do, that will also meet his needs.
That way it won’t be so much about “How do I tell him what he can’t do”, and instead telling him about what he CAN do.
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