Activities for children with hyperactivity

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A hyperactive child finds it difficult to be in one place, has a tendency to fiddle with things, and may exhibit aggressive behaviour at times. These children are generally restless and it can be challenging to handle them. Commonly known causes of hyperactivity are

    1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

    1. Brain conditions

    1. Psychological problems

    1. Nervous system issues

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Environmental factors affect hyperactivity

A messy room or a cluttered environment can reinforce hyperactivity in your child. Major changes can also affect a child who is prone to hyperactivity.

Hyperactivity and your child’s diet

Diet is a very important factor; however, we should mention that the “sugar-rush” phenomenon is a myth. In fact, studies have shown that the decreased consumption of sugar and related substances produces no viable effect on the hyperactivity of children.

Signs of hyperactivity

    1. Fidgeting

    1. Restlessness

    1. Boredom

    1. Unable to sit calmly in one place for a long time

    1. Impatient

    1. Excessively talkative

    1. Highly impulsive

    1. Interrupting talks

How to engage a hyperactive child

Here are some points for you to think over

    1. Go for a walk with your children, this will help them relax and watch things around & appreciate nature

    1. Make your child sit mindfully for five minutes every day and increase that gradually

    1. Sports are a great way to divert your child’s energy, it brings focus and structure to your child’s life

    1. Remove artificial substances and preservatives from your child’s diet, eating the right food, will remove any additional chances of hyperactivity

Use positive reinforcement when they do a task well. Routines are extremely important as they learn to lead a disciplined life.

Different ways to parent a hyperactive child

You can utilize your child’s energy by engaging them in physical activities, games, and sports. Talk to your child in very simple words and allow them to release their feelings in a heart-to-heart conversation. Teach your children deep breathing to relax and reward them for examples of good behavior, such as obedience or following a routine.

Activities for a hyperactive child

    • Sports

Outdoor sports like football, volleyball, basketball demand high levels of energy and attention which can work wonders for hyperactive children. Additionally, they learn about team spirit, sportsmanship, and competition.

    • Music

Music is one of those activities that utilizes both sides of the brain and calms the mind at the same time. Music will soothe your children and boost their memory at the same time.

    • Swimming

Swimming helps children in more ways than one can imagine. It offers continuous activity and calorie- burn.

    • Theatre

Drama or theatre is very engaging for hyperactive children. It is a demanding hobby in terms of attention, memory recall it also helps children develop confidence and interpersonal skills.

    • Nature walks

Trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and even rowing are great activities for your child, as they require a lot of energy.

    • Board games

Chess and Scrabble helps your child concentrate and make him/her sit in one place for a long time which will put their mind to rest.

    • Pottery

Pottery is another great way to soothe their senses, it calms them down and gets them into a positive flow.

Let your children help you with household chores, such as dusting or vacuuming, they will enjoy it and it will keep them occupied and busy. Children enjoy such activities with their parents and take pride when they do them well. Painting, sewing, model building and woodworking are also great options.

Ways to calm a hyperactive child

    1. Allow them to fidget for a while, it will help them release their energy

    1. Try not to pay too much attention to your children’s tantrums. If they are unmanageable give them healthy snacks to eat, like dry fruits, so that they get occupied and change their focus to

    1. Hug your child, it helps bring down peak hyperactivity at times

    1. Play soothing music to relax your child

    1. Talk to your children in a calm voice or whisper in their ears, they will mirror your actions

Hyperactivity can be easily handled when you are patient, understanding, and compassionate.  It may take a lot of energy from you as a parent to divert your child’s attention and energy towards a structure, but the results are often worth it.