Tips for Traveling with a Teen Who Has ADHD

Vacation time is supposed to be relaxing, exciting, and enriching, right? You spend hours, even days and weeks, preparing for a family vacation that will be fulfilling. However, if you’re traveling with a teen who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you may find that your vacation is indeed memorable, but for some not-so-great reasons.

Of course, traveling with a teen with ADHD can be rewarding. Their boundless energy and often spontaneous personality can provide opportunities for some truly amazing, albeit quirky, adventures. However, successfully traveling with someone with ADHD, especially a teen, may also require some extra planning and a heaping spoonful of grace and flexibility.

People with ADHD are often more than willing to explore new places, which is a fantastic quality in a travel companion. They may be quick to suggest impromptu stops to see the world’s largest thermometer or to check out a local park. Likewise, an ADHD teen may be the one to encourage the family to engage in activities that aren’t exactly on the itinerary, such as trying “The World’s Best Coffee” in every café along the journey.

These amazing qualities can help turn a simple road trip or weekend outing into a memorable family vacation filled with delightfully odd detours. However, when the excitement of new discoveries and the caffeine wears off, you might find that your teen with ADHD struggles.

They might find it difficult to maintain focus on schedules or planned itineraries. This can lead to potential last-minute changes and forgotten details (and sunglasses). Sitting still for long periods of time in confined spaces, as is required on airplane rides or road trips, can be a challenge. A lack of stimulation can also cause frustration and irritability, especially if your teen is bored or feels overwhelmed.

Tips for Traveling with a Teen with ADHD

Here are a few ideas that can help you plan the perfect vacation for you and your child with ADHD.

Be organized for them In an ideal world, your teen would have their bags packed and everything organized before you even remind them. The reality is that teens, and especially those with ADHD, have a difficult time getting and staying organized.

To help reduce anxiety and stress on your trip, take the lead on organization. Make a list of essential items your teen would need to survive and thrive on your vacation to prevent anything essential, like medication, from being left behind.

Pray together Ask God for grace and protection as you embark on your family vacation. By praying together, you’re setting the tone for a trip that is unified and focused on the mutual goal of camaraderie.

Don’t forget the fidget toys People with ADHD have a consistent need to move and fidget that is enhanced when they’re contained in a car or airplane seat. Their need to walk and move may be unfulfilled. Fidget toys allow your teen to keep their hands busy and body moving, which can help satisfy that need for movement in a compact and portable way.

Invest in earphones/earbuds Noise-cancelling earphones and earbuds can be a welcome distraction for a teen with ADHD by blocking out background noise like the chatter of siblings and traffic sounds, or the hum of the car.

Use technology Even if you want to discourage the use of phones and devices on a daily basis, a little screen time can be beneficial to teens with ADHD while traveling. Interactive games, streaming services, and audiobooks can capture your teen’s attention and keep them engaged for prolonged periods of time.

Go with the flow In spite of meticulous planning and double-checking your packing list, hiccups are bound to happen. The disruption of schedule, new stimuli, and a new environment can be off-putting for someone with ADHD. Show grace to your child (and yourself) when the inevitable obstacle presents itself. Realize that teachable moments often come out of your reaction to adversity.

If your teen is struggling with the behaviors and symptoms of ADHD, consider seeking therapy. A therapist can help your child learn how to label and recognize behaviors and thought processes indicative of their ADHD. It can also teach them how to manage their behaviors effectively, which can be beneficial for them not only during family vacation time but throughout their life.

Christian Counseling for Teens in Keller, Texas

If you would like counseling for your ADHD teen, reach out to our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Keller. We can arrange an appointment for your teen with one of the Christian counselors in Keller, Texas. They will help your teen feel empowered in managing their ADHD.