Is your child spinning in a chair, running around the classroom, unable to concentrate on class? It's not always pampering or bad parenting. The reasons can vary, and we'll talk about them in this article, as well as share simple tips to help your child become more focused on tasks.
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Main causes of hyperactivity in children
No.1. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
A neurological disorder associated with impaired dopamine receptors in the brain. The child is impulsive, unable to concentrate, and his behavior is characterized by aimless physical activity.
#2. Age characteristics
Children under 10 years of age are physiologically unable to sit still for long — their nervous system is not yet fully mature.
#3. High levels of stress
The cause of a child's anxiety may be conflicts in the family/school, too much study load, fear of punishment.
The child “starts up” in tense situations and relaxes in a quiet environment.
#4. Lack of physical activity
The less a child moves, the more hyperactive he is.
It is worth remembering that a child needs at least 1-2 hours of active games/sports per day.
#5. Sleep disorders
A sleepy child often behaves like a “routine” — this is a compensation for fatigue.
#6. Nutritional factors
This may be due to excess sugar and fast carbohydrates, food additives (dyes, monosodium glutamate), lack of magnesium, iron, and omega-3.
Try to remove sugary drinks and fast food for 2-3 weeks.
#7. Psychological trauma
This may be due to parental divorce, bullying at school, or the birth of a brother or sister. In such cases, hyperactivity helps to “drown out” anxiety.
#8. Pedagogical neglect
The lack of clear boundaries and regime in the family. The child does not know how to regulate his behavior because he has never been given limits.
#9. Sensory disorders
Problems processing sensory signals may be hypersensitivity (the child is irritated by noise/bright light, so he “twitches”) or hypersensitivity (the child has little body sensation, so he spins around to “feel himself”).
10 tips for parents and teachers
#1. Check his physical health
Eliminate anemia, thyroid problems, lack of vitamins (especially magnesium and omega-3).
Special attention should be paid to a balanced diet and consult a pediatrician.
#2. Let his energy out
Children need to move at least 1-2 hours a day. Enroll your child in a sports section (swimming, wrestling or dancing). Encourage active play in the yard. Make home “motor breaks” (jump to the music, leave the ball).
#3. Use the “30-minute rule”
Children 6-10 years old can concentrate for no more than 20-30 minutes. Break lessons/homework into blocks with breaks (5 minutes of jumps = 25 minutes of classes).
#4. Create a “traffic corner”
At home:
A swing, a trampoline, a horizontal bar in the room is a great solution for a child who needs activity. You can also use an anti-stress ball or a cushion-disc for sitting.
At school:
Arrange with the teacher so that your child can get up and walk around the classroom if necessary.
#5. Simplify instructions
Hyperactive children are not good at taking long instructions.
You can use stickers or checklists with pictures so that the child remembers the procedure visually: 1. Briefcase 2. Dinner 3. Teeth.
#6. Reduce distractions
Turn off the TV and loud music while your child is doing homework. Remove bright toys from the table. Place your workplace against a wall (not a window, for example). You can use headphones with white noise if the child is disturbed by sounds.
#7. Enter rituals and mode
Predictability reduces anxiety.
#8. Replace prohibitions with alternatives
For example, instead of “Don't run!” say, “Let's jump on the spot 10 times.”
#9. Praise your perseverance
Phrases like “You were able to sit for 15 minutes — what a great fellow you are!” will motivate the child to further efforts. You can enter rewards for small victories (stickers, extra time to play).
#10. Talk to experts
Consult a neurologist or neuropsychologist if symptoms last more than 6 months, interfering with learning and socialization, or the child is dangerous for himself (running out onto the road, not feeling high, etc.).
A neurologist, child psychologist, neuropsychologist will help solve the issue.
What is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to do
Shouting and punishing you for “fiddling” doesn't work.
Compare with other children (“Masha is calm!”).
To deprive you of walks as punishment — the energy will remain, but there will be no way out.
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