Effective Strategies for Managing Hyperactivity in Children: A Guide for Parents

Handling hyperactivity in kids might seem challenging. However, by mindfully implementing certain tips for parents, the process can be made more manageable.

Hyperactive children often run about, yell, hit furniture, and ignore verbal instructions. The first step is distraction, which can be achieved by pointing out something interesting outside or using distraction rituals like abruptly switching on the hairdryer to “blow away the tears”, or activating the vacuum cleaner to “vacuum away” the capricious behavior. A hug or engaging game like one of those offered by  Kids Academy can also work wonders.

Here are a few things to consider.

1. “Day − Night” or “Mouse − Cat”. The child runs and plays when you say “day” and pretends to sleep when you say “night”. Alternatively, they pretend to be
a mouse, running and playing until you say “The cat is coming!” prompting them to freeze or hide.

2. “Storm at Sea − Calm in the Port. The child mimics a stormy sea with wild movements and noises at your command. When you say “calm in the port”, they slow down and sit or lean somewhere.

3. “Magic Remote Control. The game involves following commands from a faux remote like “lower the volume” or “slowdown”.

4. “Tiger on the Hunt”. Take turns hiding underneath a blanket or behind a chair, and then “spring” on the unsuspecting “prey”.

5. “Sand timer”. Let the child watch the sand fall from a 1-2 minute hourglass, gradually increasing to 5-7 minutes.

6. “Diver at the Bottom of the Sea” game involves breathing into a tube and “diving” for toys. Make sure to demonstrate proper inhaling and exhaling.

7. “Blind Artist”, the game inspired by Keith Salmon, where the child is blindfolded and guided to draw.

8. “Captain and Ship”. Give navigation commands like “right”, “left”, “straight”, and the “ship” should follow them.

9. “Louder – Quieter” game. Say a word and let the child try to say it louder than you, and then quieter.

10. You can halt a child who is running around the house and pose a concentration-demanding question, such as counting their fingers or the windows in the house.

11. The child can be challenged to balance a grain-filled sock on their head. Offer
a reward for preventing it from falling for a certain period of time.

These games train children’s self-control. It’s vital for parents to stay calm as children mirror adult behavior.

12. Try the mimicry game where the child imitates your actions and words, starting loudly and energetically and gradually becoming quieter and slower.

13. Magnetic board games are also good for distraction, allowing free pattern creation.

Make sure that your kid recognizes that their defiance upsets you, but feels your love and care nonetheless.