Handling the Hyperactive Kid

ASIYETH HAFISA
Msc (psychology), NLP
Psychologist
@Islaah Center for Psychological Wellness

Hyperactive behavior usually refers to constantly active, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, inability to concentrate and aggressiveness. Typical behaviors may include: Fidgeting or constant moving, Wandering, and talking too much. Hyperactive kids are prone to never get tired, can’t focus or have short attention spans in general. Hyperactivity in children results in poor academic performance, lack of socialization and in severe cases a complete withdrawal from participation in group activities, thus leading to frustration, and poor self-esteem. Hyperactivity is in no way intentional, and your child does not intend to hurt you or irritate you. It is also important for you to understand that undue criticism can have a negative effect on your child’s progress.

Some tricky ways to handle hyperactive children

• • Accept your child’s limitations and potentials: Learn to understand and acknowledge the fact that your child will always be active and over-energetic, and you need to find ways to be exercised more tolerance and patience. Do not ask your child to stay quiet or force him to emulate your neighbor’s child. Hyperactivity cannot be eliminated in totality. But, it can be kept under reasonable control.

• • Take him/her for a walk: Walking rejuvenates both mind and body and also enhances their focus. This would not only loosen his/her mind but also help him enjoy the scenery as he/she walks

• • Try and calm your child down – Changing your child’s behavior in a day or two is next to impossible. You can tell your child to sit still for 5 minutes and then gradually increase the time. Incentivizing them for this can help increase their interest in the activity

• • Set up a daily routine – Setting up a routine for your child is really important and this will help them be disciplined and they would get accustomed to this behavior. This will help reduce anxiety and restlessness.

• • Break down complex instructions: It is important that you break even a simple task into smaller chunks that your child can understand easily. Teach your child to look you in the eye when you are trying to explain things to him. This will help him focus on what you are saying.

• • Minimize the distractions: when your child is performing important tasks like doing homework or preparing for a test. Begin with seating your child in a location that is cozy and away from windows and doors. Do not restrain him to his seat as this can make him restless. But, reducing the distractions around will help him focus.