Millennial parents often suffer from the tough ordeal of handling their hyperactive children who do not rest a bit. They need their parents around or to play with them all the time, and as a result, the only option left is to take a sabbatical or leave them at a creche. For parents who cannot do either of these and have work-related or personal reasons, we are presenting the golden handbook on how to handle a hyperactive child because when symptoms of hyperactivity get severe, it could lead to poor academic performance, lack of socialisation, and poor self-esteem.
Is it purely a matter of chance or something more?
Hyperactive children are often feared to have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). While it is normal for children to feel distracted and playful, ADHD is something serious. If your child squirms or fidgets a lot, talks too much, has a hard time resisting temptation, makes careless mistakes, or has difficulty in getting along with others, there’s a possibility that he might have ADHD. The causes are currently under research, but genetics is said to play an important role. In this case, medication and behaviour therapy plays a major role.
Tips to effective parenting for hyperactive children
Here are some tips for you to calm your tiny tot down-
- Introducing your child to theatre: Theatre requires grace and poise. Children can be introduced to some drama or theatre amateur group to calm down their enthusiasm. After some initial resistance, it will enhance their memory and confidence, help nurture imagination and enable them to learn about people skills.
- Learn to choose your battles: Children, especially those who have ADHD find it hard to focus on a given activity and tend to jump from one thing to another. Do not try to teach reasoning to your child. Try to focus on things that are quintessential and let other matters slide. For example, help your child get past important tasks like getting ready for school instead of scolding them on not getting good grades or comparing him with others.
- Encourage positive reinforcement: This can be one of the most effective parenting tips for preschoolers. Considering that doing everyday tasks without creating a mess may be a challenge for hyperactive children, balanced positive reinforcement can help you establish yourself as your child’s support system rather than a dictator. Reward your child or praise him every time he finishes his work with or without your assistance. Allow him to reward himself with an extra hour of break if he is sincere. Without normalising bribing your child, doing this activity in a controlled way will help him get through the struggle of task completion.
- Minimise distractions: You need to create a cosy and comfortable space at your home free from distractions like electronic devices. Children should do their homework at such places and feel comfortable and warm. Let them move around, so they don’t feel like being punished.
Before everything, it is important to understand that every child is different. Try to handle kids on your own before switching to extreme methods.
