How To Handle Hyperactive Kids

How To Handle Hyperactive Kids

As parents our ability to cope with hyperactive children can be tough. Hyperactivity in children is a form of a defect known as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD starts in children from around 2 or 3 years old, but may not be noticed until the child is more advanced I.e. around 6 or 7 years.

How can we spot hyperactivity in our children:

Hyperactive children have difficulty in listening to or following directions.

They can’t sit back in their seats. They move around a lot.

They talk too much, or interrupt other people’s conversations.

Hyperactive children fail to follow instructions, or do a step-by-step routine.

They are impulsive, overenthusiastic and bouncing with energy.

They can easily become worried, frustrated, angry, and sad.

Hyperactivity is related to the child’s brain and so the best way to handle hyperactive children is to make them relax and take things one at a time. So, we need to help hyperactive children pay attention, focus better, and be less hyper.

Channel their energy

Find a way to vent their energy and calm their minds. These Children need to run around and play a lot. Invest in classes which help them use up their energy, physical activity, and soothe their mind.

Talk to your them in a simple manner

We must give these children complete attention and listen to their concerns, interests, and fears. We can also get them to make to-do lists and break down the instructions given to them.

Help them deal with their feelings

Children with hyperactivity find it difficult to handle anger, sadness, and worry. Help them to deal with their feelings and tell them what is good and what is bad.

Make them relax

Minimize distractions and TV time. Take them out to parks. Be patient with them and be determined to calm them, and help them put their high energy levels to good use.

Help your Child to be Flexible

Teach them to be disciplined and at the same time pay attention to giving them some flexibility too. Make sure he knows when you mean discipline, it is purely business. Do not make your relationship with your child centered around instructions and orders.

How to Control a Hyperactive Child: Behavioral Tricks that Work

Make sure the child is getting a breakfast with whole grains and a little protein.

Limit the amount of sugar the child is getting.

Have the child evaluated for food sensitivities/allergies. (Gluten in particular can be a culprit in hyperactive behavior.)

Make sure that any consequences you give are consistent and reliable.

Don't escalate the problem by getting visibly angry.

Never yell-but instead lower your voice when speaking.

Below are Games and Activities to Keep Children With Hyperactivity Busy and Motivated

Karate/Martial Arts To Channel Energy

‘Karate’ means empty handed.

When kids learn karate, they do different postures and ways to channel their energy. It also helps them to concentrate and calm their minds.

Building confidence, learning to focus, and developing enhanced coordination are just a few of the benefits of martial arts for hyperactive kids.

Outdoor sports for Constant Activity

Outdoor sports like football, basketball and running are great activity for hyperactive kids as there is no standing around time in these games.

Children will be constantly moving and using large muscle groups, keeping them focused and energy-drained. They also learn about team spirit, sportsmanship, and competition.

Use Music to Calm their Mind

Music is a great way to unwind after school. Music exercises both sides of the brain at the same time. Thus, calming the brain, which in turn makes your kids multi-task and store information better.

It also helps the children to be team players.

Swimming for Self-Discipline

Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps was diagnosed with (ADHD) at the age of 9. He took up swimming to master a sport and vent his energy. It helps children develop self-discipline and burn calorie.

Theater for Creative Engagement

Drama or theater is a creative activity to engage the hyperactive kids. It needs practice, co-ordination, sharp memory, stage confidence, and people skills. It helps the kids to take personal challenges ,and hone their public-speaking skills.

Nature trips to Soothe the Body

Nature has its own ways to soothe a hyperactive child. Trekking is a great way to release their high energy.

Thinking Games

Games like scrabble, chess and monopoly are great exercise for brain. They are good options to engage hyperactive children as they make them sit in one place and concentrate.

These games are ideal for children with short-attention span and high energy to build their confidence and interest.



By Adebowale Ajose