Summer

5 Summer-Smart Strategies for ADHD Families

Summer plans for ADHD families should establish structure and boundaries early — and include choices and downtime — to help neurodivergent kids who get bored or anxious easily.

David Anderson, Ph.D.
By Dave Anderson, Ph.D. Updated on February 13, 2026
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“School is almost over! I can hardly wait for summer break! I love it when my parents limit screen time and assign chores,” uttered no child ever on the planet.

But structure and boundaries are important for any child, especially one who has ADHD and is prone to boredom. As the school year winds down, start thinking about summer guardrails and expectations that will benefit your child. As a family, discuss these boundaries (think chores and video game limits) and set up an environment to promote desired activities (like borrowing books from the library or playing board games that keep math skills fresh).

Consider these strategies as you develop your summer plan:

1. Save the best for last.

Have your child do chores, academic work, and other “non-preferred” activities during peak focus periods. Reserve fun activities — video games, sports, friend time —for later in the day to teach kids with ADHD to persist.

2. Give kids a choice.

Offering options reduces friction, gives your child control, and encourages cooperation. Provide a menu of activity choices for their morning, afternoon, and evening blocks.

Teens with ADHD need even more choice and control. As summer begins, discuss what you want them to accomplish (e.g., college essay drafts, volunteering) and what they’d like to do or get in return. This might be an extended curfew, a higher allowance, or more friend time, for example. Establish check-in dates to monitor their progress.

3. Know the upside of downtime.

Don’t feel pressured to fill every moment of your child’s summer schedule. Occasional understimulation is beneficial in today’s era of constant stimulation, especially for impulsive, sensory-sensitive children.

4. Prepare a meltdown kit.

Outbursts don’t take summer breaks. Big emotions will decrease as your child’s emotional regulation matures, but you can prepare for them by:

  • Remaining calm. It may not seem like it, but your child looks to you for guidance on navigating emotions.
  • Staying firm. Meltdowns are ways for children to get adults to reshuffle the deck and present more favorable options. Avoid giving in. Instead, stay with your child’s big emotions. Validate their feelings. Say, “I know it’s hard to stop playing video games and get ready for bed.”
  • Developing a pre-meltdown plan. Ask your child, “What should you do when you feel upset?” Keep their answers in an easy-to-see place, along with a list of calming strategies like deep breathing, taking a drink of water, stepping away, or listening to music.
  • Delivering consequences. Reserve timeouts and privilege losses for serious behaviors like hitting or throwing. Communicate your rules ahead of time so your child isn’t caught by surprise.

5. Enforce screen time rules.

Ask your child about their favorite apps or games to spark conversations about smart technology use. Incorporate screen time practically and with reasonable limits.

Once you’ve set boundaries for your kids over the summer, think about ways to make space for your own rest and self-compassion — so you can show up as your best self for your children.

Summer Plans for ADHD Families: Next Steps from ADDitude

Dave Anderson, Ph.D., is a senior psychologist at the Child Mind Institute’s ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center.

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