There is a fine line between a naturally active child and a hyperactive child. Most mothers will agree that their young children are full of energy and are always bouncing from one place to another. Their inability to sit in one place and lack of attention makes it difficult for them to focus on any particular activity. In this article, we discuss How To Handle Your Hyperactive Child.
Some of the normal signs of hyperactivity are running from one place to another, constantly interrupting conversations etc. Though they are hyperactive, it would be good for parents to channelize their energy productively and creatively.
How To Handle Your Hyperactive Child
1. Closely watch and monitor your child.
It is important to watch and see whether your child is behaving disrespectful, not able to follow instructions, cannot sit at one place, is constantly running around etc. It is important to know that a normal child’s behaviour is also very similar to this behaviour. But in this case, the child is not able to follow instructions, both at school and at home. If this behaviour exists all the time, then you need to understand that your child might be hyperactive.
Some of the other symptoms of a hyperactive child are:
- Failure to follow step by step instructions.
- They are impulsive decision makers.
- Full of energy and over-enthusiastic.
- Always talking and interrupting other people.
- They get angry easily, frustrated and sad etc.
2. Involve them in Sports.
One of the best ways of dealing with hyperactive children is to get them enrolled in a sports activity. Sports like football, cricket, swimming are not only good for physical exercise but also help in developing concentration, focus, self-discipline and control. Team sports also helps them to work together and develop their social skills.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=grid]3. Simplify your instructions so that they are able to understand them clearly.
One of the major problems of hyperactive children is that they are not able to follow instructions. As parents, you need to make your instructions very clear to them, by breaking them down. You can also keep repeating instructions to them so that they are able to understand the same.
4. Try to help them in dealing with their feelings and to relax.
Children with hyperactivity find it difficult to deal with their emotions and feelings like anger, sadness, anxiety etc. Parents need to find out the trigger points which lead to these emotions. Help them to deal with their feelings and to relax.
Take them out to a green surroundings such as parks and help them to calm down and unwind. Parks and gardens are good places for them to play and use their energy productively.
5. Enroll them for creative classes like music and dance.
Research has indicated that doing creative things like playing a musical instrument, dancing or taking acting and drama classes helps the brain. It helps the brain to focus, control movements and also multitask. All these creative fields will help them to do productive things with their high energy levels.
Art and craft is one more way of teaching children to act on their ideas. Encourage your child to draw, paint or even do sewing etc, which will help them to focus.
6. Motivate them by rewarding them for their good behaviour.
Any child will be encouraged if you reward them for their good behaviour, like talking respectfully, following instructions, doing routine jobs in a proper order etc. Your positive encouragement will help your child in handling their emotions better. They will be motivated and encouraged to behave properly.
7. Have a clear set of family rules.
Try and have a clear set of daily family rules. Children get into a habit very fast. If they know what is expected from them on a day to day basis, then it is easy for them to understand and follow. It will help them to follow the family rules. Avoid unclear situations if you are dealing with hyperactive children.
8. Be understanding and do not overreact.
Remember your child is suffering from a disorder (ADHD) and hence your child is not a bad child. Doing small daily routine things is a struggle for your child. There are going to be many occasions when you will be disappointed. It is important not to get worked up with each and every issue. Try focusing on issues which are most important and the remaining things will just pass by. Don’t confuse hyperactivity with bad parenting.
9. Get your children involved in household chores.
Most of the time, parents want their children to sit in one place and give them a video game, smartphone or television inorder to keep them occupied for some time. Instead, get your children involved in household chores like dusting, vacuuming, clearing the laundry etc. Children love to help and use their energy for productive purposes.
There are many people who have suffered from Hyperactivity or even ADHD and have excelled in life. For e.g Olympic swimming gold medallist Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. He took up swimming and mastered the sport. He channelized his energy productively and today we know the result.
Finally, as a parent, you can patiently improve a lot of things in your hyperactive children lives. They need constant love, attention, and reassurance from you to overcome their daily challenges.
Hope you have liked reading our article on How To Handle Your Hyperactive Child.
Please also read our earlier article on How to deal with a child’s irrational behaviour.
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Tags: adhd, Handle Your Hyperactive Child, hyperactive child, kids with adhd, parenting
