Overcoming the Challenge of Having a Hyperactive Child

“Stop! Stop that now, I’m serious, Levi!!” an exasperated young mom yelled to her hyperactive child the other day in the store. To her dismay and frustration, the little boy’s behavior only worsened each time she tried to calm him down.

We may feel Deja vu when we watch a scene like this if we have ever experienced the trials of raising a difficult child. Visions of screaming matches, the toy crashing, the glass smashing, and that feeling of utter defeat may play through our minds.

We may observe a familiar sense of helplessness in that young mom, with her sagging shoulders and teary eyes, as she looks around in desperation and shame. She is probably internally asking herself those questions we all ask when dealing with a hyperactive child.

Questions like:

• Why is my child acting like this in public, of all places?
• Am I doing something to make my child act like this?
• Why can’t I make my child stop acting up?
• Why does my child seem to have all this pent-up anger?
• Is my child’s behavior normal, or does he have a serious problem?

What makes a child hyperactive?

We all know that it’s natural for kids to be active and bundles of energy, but having an exceptionally difficult child can make it hard to cope or even understand. When we have a child who is a little extra, we need to help them by figuring out what is going on.

The most common dictionary definition of childhood hyperactivity is a state in which a child is too active and only able to keep quiet for short periods of time.

This sounds like every young child. But when does it reach a level of concern?

When a Child’s Hyperactivity Turns Into a Disorder

Most psychologists agree that it becomes a disorder when the hyperactive behavior is characterized mainly by the presence of constant restlessness or, at times, harmful behaviors and a noticeable lack of attention.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neuro-biological condition characterized by symptoms that include impaired focus, impulsivity, and excessive activity characterized by spontaneous actions that involve sustained attention, focus, and a calm predisposition, causing tension and anxiety.

We will discuss a variety of strategies that can help soothe a hyperactive child while also promoting a sense of calm. Often, you will find that understanding what is happening around a hyper child and how it affects their reaction can help create a more conducive environment for them to gradually calm down.

Try to meet the child at their own level and find ways to incorporate relaxation features such as:

• Music therapy, such as soothing classical or instrumental music, can have a calming effect on hyperactive children and help them focus better.
• Establishing a structured routine with designated times for activities, meals, play, and rest can provide stability and a sense of control for hyperactive children. Such techniques can help offer gentle and holistic approaches to managing hyperactivity.
• Encouraging regular physical activity and outdoor play can help channel a hyperactive child’s excess energy in a positive way.
• Exploring herbal supplements such as chamomile, passionflower, and lemon balm is also known to be beneficial in soothing the nervous system of a child, and these can all be administered through teas or supplements.

The nature of hyperactivity in children can be difficult to understand for parents, educators, and caregivers who need to have insight to provide appropriate support and guidance. Recognizing the differences between normal childhood energy and a hyperactivity disorder makes it easier to implement strategies that effectively address some specific needs and promote a child’s overall well-being.

Characteristics of ADHD in a Hyperactive Child

Not all children with hyperactivity exhibit the same characteristics, and each case must be approached in an individualized way to offer support adapted to their needs. Hyperactivity in a child can stem from several factors that range from normal childhood energy to being indicative of a disorder.

Some common features in most cases are:

• Attention deficit and failing to focus on any one activity, whether it’s drawing, playing, or even watching television
• Difficulty sitting still, continually squirming and moving feet and hands, or standing up and moving when others are seated.
• Talking constantly in long, unbroken sentences that sometimes have no correlation, which can cause problems at school and in social settings.
• Constantly interrupting other people and having difficulty taking turns with others.
• Excessive impulsiveness of the child and often losing control of their emotions.

It’s important to note that a hyperactive child isn’t always related to an underlying condition but can also be a traumatic manifestation of major life changes in the child’s life, like divorce, changing schools, or moving to another city, and even excitement and enthusiasm about something new in their lives.

Sometimes a child might have emotional or mental health problems that manifest as behavior disorders. It is also possible for certain medical conditions or physical health problems, such as an overactive thyroid, to cause or exacerbate hyperactivity.

What can you do to help a child cope with ADHD?

Dealing with a hyperactive child is one of the most stressful challenges a parent, educator, or caretaker can encounter when dealing with children. This is mainly because so little is known about this condition and how to control it.

Try incorporating some of the following into their day-to-day activities:

• Using soft lighting or playing calming music can help create a sense of peace and tranquility for your hyperactive child.
• Incorporating some sensory activities, such as providing fidget toys or making them use a weighted blanket, can also help them channel their excess energy in a positive and calming way.

If you suspect that your highly energetic, difficult-to-manage, or fussy child might suffer from a hyperactivity disorder, you need to make all efforts to get them the help they need.

Seeking professional help can address these issues and help you find effective and natural ways to calm a hyperactive child, which is essential for creating a harmonious environment for them and supporting their overall well-being. Contact us today to set up your first risk-free appointment with one of the professionals at our location.