When asked the question, “Is your child hyperactive?” almost every parent would say yes. But before you start punishing your child for being hyperactive and before you fall into despair about it, let’s try and understand why your child is acting out with all that energy. Instability and inattentiveness makes it difficult for a child to focus, and you may often find them bouncing from activity to activity with limitless energy and ease.
The biggest hurdle with hyperactive behavior is that your child may have issues with paying attention and sitting still. Also, they may be impulsive and act before they think. But fear not mamas, all this can be handled. What you need to do as a parent is learn how to calm down your child and help them focus. Here are a few tips for when your child’s energy seems limitless, and you both need help.
Limit Media Stimulation
We all experience a high level of media stimulate, and while it’s not good for anyone, it’s especially detrimental for small kids. Your job here is to limit the time your little one spends in front of a TV, computer, smartphone or any other form of digital media while they’re at home. This is important because many research has shown that early exposure to television can probably lead to ADHD-like symptoms in children, so don’t put a TV in their room. Have designated time of the day for watching TV, playing games and browsing the internet, and always pay attention to what your child is looking at while online.
Sign Them up for Sports
Physical activity is essential for any child, and it’s especially good for those who are hyperactive. Your first step is to sit down together and talk about the sports they’re potentially interested in. Soccer, football, volleyball, cycling, swimming… Possibilities are endless, and you just need to find something they’ll enjoy. You can even consider signing them up for martial arts. There are so many different martial arts that offer lessons for kids. Certainly, there is no better way for your child to get rid of that excess energy than at such classes, and martial arts are great for teaching discipline, which is always a plus. There’s also the bonus lesson of learning how to take care of their equipment. You just need to make sure to get them a great gym backpack for all their belongings and teach them how to pack, unpack and take care of their things.
Spark Their Creativity
Sometimes, your child might be hyperactive because they don’t know how to express their feelings and creativity. That is why arts and crafts can help them stay focused and express their ideas, feelings and thoughts. Find out what they enjoy the most – it can be anything from painting to woodworking. Whatever it is, make sure to help them turn their creativity into something concrete. You can even sign them up for dance or music classes and teach them how to express their feelings through physical movement. Plus, they will learn something new, their brain will develop, and they will stay focused and channel that energy into something beautiful.
Outdoor Activities
There is nothing better than spending time in the fresh air enjoying some physical activities together. By going outside to play soccer in your yard, going camping or even going for a light jog together, your child will manage to use the hyperactivity and turn it into something positive. Plus, you will get to spend some great time together. Also, if you go together for a camping weekend, you can teach your child how to set up a tent, light a small campfire, cook and whatnot. Those are all great skills to acquire, and you can go on a short hike through the woods. It’s really a win for the entire family.
Do the Chores Together
After spending a day at school, and if your child comes back home filled with energy, bouncing off the walls, don’t just let them watch TV and waste time. Instead, you can agree to do the chores together. They can help you set the table for dinner, you can teach them how to vacuum and dust or you can even cook some meals together. There is plenty to do around the house and by including them, you will get to spend some great time together. Also, you can show them that chores can be fun, and you are teaching them about hygiene and responsibilities at the same time.
Yes, almost every child is hyperactive, and that’s not always a sign of ADHD. Often they just need some help with expressing themselves, or they are simply bored. To help them channel that energy, you should introduce new hobbies and responsibilities to them. You can easily try any of these activities, and you will notice the change in your child in no time.
Author Bio
Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of two. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger Things. Find her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MorganRoseElli1
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