Games for children with ADHD

Play is an excellent way to help a child with ADHD make progress in attention, patience and self-control, while having fun. It is still essential to choose suitable games. Here is how. Play is above all a moment of enjoyment and sharing.

The right criteria

Short games, simple rules, movement, strategy: these criteria make a game more accessible to a child with ADHD. These criteria help avoid frustration.

We explain this point in more detail in Board games and ADHD.

Movement games

Ball games, obstacle courses, racing games, statues game: they allow children to let off steam and work on stopping and controlling movement. These games are easy to play as a family.

This topic is covered in our page ADHD and sport.

Attention games

Observation games, spot-the-difference games, quick reaction games: they train attention in a playful way. They can become fun challenges.

You will find more details in the article ADHD and concentration in class.

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Memory games

Card-turning games, sequence-repeating games: they work on working memory. These games are easy to adapt to age.

Our article ADHD and executive functions complements this advice.

Construction games

Building, assembling, creating: these activities require planning and perseverance, while being enjoyable. The pleasure of creating sustains motivation.

To go further, see ADHD and hyperfocus.

Learning to lose

Games are also an opportunity to learn to wait one’s turn and to manage the frustration of losing. Support these moments with kindness. These moments are real opportunities to learn.

The article ADHD and anger covers this question in detail.

Playing together

Playing with the child strengthens the relationship and creates positive moments, which are precious when daily life is stressful. These moments matter a great deal.

This point is explained step by step in How to help a child with ADHD.