Dealing with a hyperactive child can be challenging. These children are often full of energy and have a hard time sitting still, making it difficult for them to pay attention in school, follow rules and instructions, and stay focused on tasks.

However, by using some of these tips, you can help your hyperactive child stay calm and focused.

1. Set a Routine

A predictable routine can be very helpful for a hyperactive child. Keeping consistent meal times, bedtimes, and homework times can help them stay organized and reduce anxiety.

A daily routine helps with stability, so a child can handle chores and other activities with ease.

2. Create a Quiet Space

It is crucial to have a calm, comfortable space that your child can retreat to when they are feeling overwhelmed. This space should be free from distractions and be set up in a way that promotes relaxation, such as soft music or a comforting blanket.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Physical activity is crucial for a hyperactive child because it can help them release energy and feel more relaxed. Encourage regular exercise, such as biking or tennis, which can lead to better self-control, according to many studies.

Additionally, you can use activity-based ‘brain breaks’ during homework or study sessions to keep them focused.

4. Ensure Adequate Sleep

A lack of sleep can exacerbate hyperactivity, so it is vital to make sure your child gets enough sleep each night. Establish a bedtime routine that is conducive to relaxation, promoting healthy sleep.

Stick to regular sleep timing so they have enough energy to get going the next day.

5. Monitor Screen Time

Excessive screen time can overstimulate a child’s mind and contribute to their hyperactive behaviour. Keep an eye on time limits so your child has enough time to move around and play.

Encourage other activities that can stimulate creativity, as well.

6. Limit Sugar Intake

Sugar can cause hyperactivity, so it is best to limit your child’s sugar intake and choose healthy options instead. Serving fruits and vegetables as snacks and cutting down on fizzy drinks can be beneficial.

7. Model Calm Behaviour

Adults need to role model the calm behaviour as children imitate what they see and learn from their environment. Try to be calm around your children, even when they are frustrating you.

8. Offer Simple Instructions

Avoid giving complicated instructions to a hyperactive child as they may have difficulty processing them. Break down instructions into simple, easy-to-follow steps with shorter words that you know they can understand.

9. Provide Opportunities for Choice

When a child has some power over what they are doing, they feel more in control and can focus better. Offer choices where possible, like what to wear or what chore to do, so that they feel like they have control over situations.

10. Recognize Progress and Good Behaviour

It is important to acknowledge progress and good behaviour to build the child’s self-esteem. Praising their progress and behaviour can be satisfying for us as parents, and motivates the child to continue doing better!.

11. Set Clear Boundaries

Clear boundaries can help your child understand the rules and limits of their behaviour. If you explain what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviours, then it makes them more mindful and less impulsive with their actions.

12. Be Consistent with Consequences

It is important to set consequences for unacceptable behaviour but also to be consistent with enforcement. Don’t punish one time and not another as it is inconsistent and makes the child’s behaviour unpredictable.

13. Use Positive Reinforcement

Encouraging children when they complete tasks or follow rules motivates them to continue good behavior. Provide positive reinforcement, such as a favourite meal, dessert, or toy, to encourage more positive behaviour.

14. Use a Rewards Chart

Consider making a reward chart that is specific to achievements and progress. When this chart is filled up, they can receive rewards such as a privilege, such as time with their tablet or a visit to a fun place.

15. Use Visual Cues

Visual prompts or cues can help children understand what is expected of them. For example, placing a visual cue on the desk to show them that they need to complete their homework.

This method works well because it gets them into focus mode without forgetting the task at hand.

Related Article Expert Advice: How to Help Your Hyperactive Child

16. Break Tasks into Smaller Parts

If your child has trouble with longer tasks, breaking them into smaller parts that your child feels they can handle can be very helpful and less intimidating. You will be amazed at how much your child can accomplish when they are not overwhelmed.

17. Use Tactile Objects

For some children, an object to manipulate during quiet times can help them focus on the task at hand.

Fidget spinners or stress balls, for instance, can be a beneficial tool for a hyperactive child, who can process and concentrate when the tactile sensation is taking place.

18. Communicate in a Calm Voice

Children are more receptive when spoken to in a calm, respectful way. Use a calm voice tone to communicate, be open to listening to their concerns, and keep conversations direct and straightforward.

19. Give Them Time

Children thrive on positive attention, and it can take time to get them to a calm state. When a child is struggling, acknowledge that it may take additional time to reach a calmer state. Giving them time leads to getting focused and more productive.

20. Avoid Overstimulation

Avoiding overstimulation is key to managing hyperactivity. Family events or theme parks may be a bit too overwhelming for hyperactive children, so they respond better to quieter activities such as playing board games or drawing.

21. Encourage Assisted Projects

Assisted projects, done in tandem, make the child feel supported and more capable of completing the task at hand.

Gardening, building model cars, painting, and drawing are all examples of categories in which parents can help their children, and hyperactive children can thrive on such tasks with build time-management skills.

22. Encourage Patience

A hyperactive child will often struggle with patience, but it’s an important skill. Encouraging patience through activities like meditation or yoga practice, can help children learn to be more calm and patient.

23. Provide Calming Activities Before Sleep

Calming activities before bedtime can have a soothing effect on a hyperactive child’s mind, which then leads to a peaceful nap.

Reading a book or taking a warm bath are some examples of calming activities that parents can do each night before bed or nap, which promotes relaxation and thus a restful night.

24. Minimize Distractions at Home

For a hyperactive child, it is essential to reduce potential distractions at home as they can be a source of anxiety and unhappiness for them.

Place televisions or computers in a separate room, out of sight, and offer dedicated spots for tasks such as homework or drawing.

25. Use a Timer

Use a timer to guide your child’s activities and encourage more time management skills.

Be sure to get them to engage in a predetermined activity for a set duration of time, and it helps them understand the value of time and how to use it efficiently.

26. Work with Teachers and Caregivers

Working together with your child’s teacher or caregivers can help provide a unified approach toward managing hyperactive behaviour.

Ensure everyone is aware of strategies that work best for the child while sharing insights in case there is a sudden change in behaviour.

27. Seek Professional Assistance

If a child’s hyperactivity is affecting them significantly, there may be underlying issues that a health professional can help to address. ADHD is a medical condition and identifying the symptoms and getting professional help of a doctor is mandatory.

28. Stay Positive

The most important tip is to remain positive. Remember, patience and understanding go a long way. When a child sees you actively trying to help them, they are inspired, which in turn makes you feel more positive about it.

29. Take a Break

Taking regular breaks can be a lifesaver when things get overwhelming, so be mindful of your own self-care to stay healthy and manage your loved one’s behaviour.

Take short breaks for small moments of calm and make sure you have time to recharge yourself!.

30. Be Kind to Yourself

Don’t forget to show kindness to yourself! Managing the behaviour of a hyperactive child is challenging, and it’s essential to remember that we all make mistakes. Self-love and self-kindness are essential in dealing with such children.