The Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a fun activity that kids with ADHD can enjoy along with the rest of their family. Whether at the beach, an indoor pool, or even your own swimming pools and spas if you are lucky enough to have one fitted, playing in the water exercises the entire body. Even better, kids with ADHD may derive special benefits from swimming in several ways.
Burning Off Energy
Many kids with ADHD have difficulty sitting or standing still. That’s not a problem in the pool. Swimming is a great way to burn off excess energy because it requires you to keep moving. Your child will use every muscle in his body to stay afloat and propel through the water.
After a few hours of swimming, kids with ADHD will be tired out and may be calmer and able to focus for a longer period of time. Swimming also involves deep breathing, which oxygenates the brain and the muscles, which increases coordination and cognitive function.
Practicing Water Safety
Parents want their kids to be safe in the water, and the best way to achieve that goal is enroll the kids in swimming lessons. Swimming lessons teach essential water safety skills that can help everyone have a safe, fun experience in the water.
For kids with ADHD, organized swimming lessons let them learn at their own pace and in their own style. In teaching swimming skills, instructors will work one-on-one with individual kids, as well as conduct group instruction. There’s always plenty of free swim time for your child to practice what he’s learned.
Learning Independence
Swimming allows kids with ADHD to learn independence and build their self-confidence. Sometimes, kids with ADHD dislike team sports because the rules are complicated and the play depends so much on the actions of others. On the basketball court or soccer field, too much is going on at once, and kids with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate.
In the water, there are few distractions, and the child doesn’t have to compete, keep up, or wait for others to act. As they gain experience and skill in swimming, they will grow in self-esteem. If your child joins a swim team, he’ll take pride that his individual performance contributes to the team.
Swimming provides both physical and mental benefits for everyone who tries it. It burns calories, strengthens the body, and calms the mind. For kids with ADHD, swimming may be just the right fit.
Check out this article on what to look for in a swimming instructor for your child with ADHD!