Calming The Active - Hyperactive Child

Calming the Active/Hyperactive Child
Active children can wear on your patience and your nerves, causing you to snap or nag. Just
one hyperactive child in a group of children can take the focus away from the task at hand,
and cause all of the children to feel antsy and out of control. Understanding and supporting
the child can ease the frustration of dealing with the high-spirited behavior.
Active or Hyperactive?
 Active children are more intense, more energetic, and more persistent than average. They
live life bolder than other kids. They are enthusiastic and determined, but can fall apart over
little things. They do not have differences in brain chemistry; they are simply more active
than other children.
 Hyperactive children have a problem with their brain chemistry that causes them to be
constantly on the go, both physically and mentally. They have racing thoughts and cannot
shut off their minds. They have a disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) and exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
Inattention and
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
 fidgets, squirms
 makes careless mistakes
 has trouble staying seated
 difficulty waiting their turn
 excessive running, climbing or
 trouble with organization
restlessness
 avoids tasks requiring sustained
 trouble with quiet activities
mental effort
 needs to be “on the go”
 often loses things
 often talks too much
 easily distracted
 blurts out answers
 forgetful in daily activities
Having some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the child has ADHD. Only a
qualified professional can accurately diagnose ADHD.
 To be diagnosed, the child must have at least 6 “Inattentive” symptoms and/or 6

“Hyper/Impulsive” symptoms.
 Only about 10% of children in India and the US have ADHD – that’s 1 out of 10 children –
so we cannot assume that all active children have ADHD. Many are simply very active and
lack self-control.
Understanding the Hyperactive Child
 Hyperactivity (ADHD) is not the same as misbehaving – it is similar to feeling an intense
itch and being told not to scratch it. Even if you don’t scratch it, you are so distracted by
wanting to that you cannot focus on anything else.
 Children with ADHD have the overwhelming urge to be active, both physically and
mentally. They can’t just stop because they are told to do so.
 Acting-out behaviors could be a cry for help. Don’t give up on the child. Teach him/her to
develop self-control and to direct his/her energies towards constructive activities.
The important thing is not to fight hyperactivity by telling the child to stop fidgeting, be still,
or stay seated. In fact, simply saying “sit still” can be invalidating and can lead to self-esteem
problems in kids with ADHD. Instead, help the child channel their excess energy. ADHD is just
as frustrating for the child as it is for you.
Helping Calm the Active/Hyperactive Child

Whether Active or ADHD, the child is not naughty or bad…they just need a little more
attention, patience, and an outlet for their energy. The following tips will help them learn to
gain self-control:
 Take time out from your routine to give the child the attention he/she craves. Give
the child a hug and make sure they know that you love them unconditionally.
 Maintain order and organization in the home. Keep the child on a routine schedule.
It will help the child remain focused.
 If you tell the child to stop a particular unwanted behavior, also tell him – in detail-
what behavior you would like to see instead. For example, don’t just say “Stop
jumping in here,” but add “Go outside and jump out there.”
 Minimize distractions. Give the child a quiet place to work, but make sure they know
they are not being punished.
 Break down complex instructions. It’s hard for a child to remember a long list of
instructions. Break the task into smaller chunks.
 Make sure the child looks you in the eye when you are explaining things. This will
help to ensure that their focus is on you. Have the child repeat back each step.
Writing down instructions can help the child follow directions.
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 Help the child create a To-Do List. It helps keep them on task and remember what
they need to do.
 Provide plenty of time to run and play. It will help release their energy.
 Try yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to calm the child. Deep breathing sends
more oxygen to the brain and is calming.
 Over active children usually have really short attention spans. Offer the child to
switch to something else before they become restless. If they are getting
overwhelmed, invite them to take a break for a few minutes. Don’t expect them to
sit for long periods of time.
 Fidgeting can help kids focus – allow them to hold something small like a stress ball,
as long as they are not disruptive.
 Use positive reinforcement. Completing a task is a big accomplishment for a

hyperactive child. Children with ADHD often find themselves scolded or punished
much more than they are praised. Give praise often.
 The child still needs consequences for shouting, throwing, screaming, etc., but
consequences don’t always have to be negative. Suggest that they go to their “quiet
place” until they calm down.
 Listen to the child. Ask him how he feels about his hyperactivity and for ideas to deal
with it. Children are more likely to stick to methods they thought of themselves
rather than ones adults tell them they must do.
Medication can help some children with the symptoms of ADHD, but don’t be too quick with
medications as they carry side effects. They should be the last resort, not the first

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Calming the Active/Hyperactive Child

 To be diagnosed, the child must have at least 6 “Inattentive” symptoms and/or 6

Helping Calm the Active/Hyperactive Child

 Use positive reinforcement. Completing a task is a big accomplishment for a

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