ADHD and DCL??

[*Huey*]

My daughter was recently diagnosed with ADHD and is quite a handful. She's in kindergarten this year and loves it so I know she will like the atmosphere of the club. She does have to work at keeping on task in school and I was wondering how structured the activities are. She will do great with more "free play" than with "sit still and do this right now."

She loves the MK (haven't tried any other park yet) but gets real testy with waiting in lines. She needs the "instant gratification." Will there also be quite a bit of "wait your turns" at the club for instructions, etc.?

I am a single mom and look forward to "alone" time (but I'm not looking to "get rid of her from dawn til dusk"!). She's watched both the 2000 and 2001-2002 videos and loves the look of the club and would probably stay there all day (drag her out kicking and screaming!!) but I also want her club-mates to enjoy themselves too! (Not to mention the counselors! - Don't want her to be blacklisted!)

I haven't made any definite plans since I don't really know what I'll get myself into! She's taken the "fun" out of quite a few activities for me and I'd hate to spend upwards of $2000 for me to be miserable.

I've also read the thread about worries of kids falling overboard... Needless to say, that is a major concern of mine too!!

She will be at least 7 before we will cruise. Can anyone offer me any pointers?? I would like to do one of the 7 days... been to Nassau on the (now defunct) Premiere Cruise Line and would prefer not to return...

Thanks!

 

[NCRedding]

My DD does not have ADHD, but is quite "Busy". I always felt that we left places with everyone knowing her name, because I always had to call it so often. That said, the children's time ranges from structured--some short classes on drawing, etc, movies and shows to lots of free time. DD never mentioned anything about waiting in line, or getting impatient--the counselors kept them busy during the "class" times, and let them "do their thing" during free time--as long as it no one got hurt. Someone had mentioned a little bit of wait time with the video games--DD didn't care to play so no problem. As far as falling over, the only places I saw that could be problems were deck 10, possibly Deck 4, and the veranda. DD never went on the veranda without me, nor did she venture on any Decks without me. It was always my fear that I would fall over (cause I'm clumsy), it would be hard to do so, unless you wanted to. You may also find that with the recent diagnosis, you may see a dramatic improvement in behavior or coping skills. Don;t rule out anything, until you see how she does on medicine (if she's taking it), or with the skills the 2 of you learn together to manage ADHD. I highly recommend the 7 night--the days at sea are so relaxing.

 

["Ginger"]

Hi Huey, I am a daycare Mom and I care for 1 child with ADHD. He can be a hand full at times. I have to keep him busy all the time, quickly moving in and out of activities. From what I have observed while in the Oceanears Club, and believe me I have spent some time in there, your child should no problems. They move right along keeping the childrens interest.