Sailing and Parenting an ADHD child

The first time I set sail, I didn’t know how it would ultimately help me address the ADHD and executive function challenges that I’ve had to overcome. But on the sea, planning and focus is not an option.

Sailing became an unexpected teacher. The discipline and precision required to sail safely forced me to plan ahead, focus and concentrate. I keep a captains log, and I typically end every outing with a short list of things required for the next trip. Sailing demands discipline and foresight. You learn to anticipate changes, plan your route, watch the water for wind patterns, and keep a sharp attention to current tasks. When you’re alone on a boat, you’re simultaneously in the moment, planning ahead, and logging any past errors.

As my son was diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia and executive function disorder, sailing has become a tangible and engaging way my two sons to work on their challenges. Each task, from tying a secure knot to adjusting the sails, offers a lesson in focus, patience, and sequential thinking.

Sailing might not be a traditional remedy for ADHD and related challenges. Still, it underscores a valuable lesson: sometimes, our most significant growth comes from something unexpected and ALWAYS from something that we care about personally.