Overactive Child

There is no doubt that a substantial portion of children are an overactive child and some may be described as suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But quite a lot of children who are difficult to manage and who have problems concentrating and not necessarily overactive.

The difficulty for parents and health visitors is deciding what normal behaviour problems in a child are and what are ADHD which require treatment and management.

Here are some tips on managing an active child :

• Keep to a daily routine as much as you can. Routine can be important if your child is restless or difficult.

• Make giving your child time and attention a part of the routine. In different ways your child may be demanding your attention most of the day if not most of the night as well. A lot of the time you will have to say ‘no’. This is easier for your child to accept if there are certain times of each day when you do give all your attention to your child.

• Avoid difficult situations as much as you can. For example by keeping shopping trips short. Try lowering your expectations. Start by asking your child to be still or controlled or to concentrate for a very short time and gradually build up.

• Try to get out every day to a place where your child can run around and really let go. Go to the park or the playground and find ways of helping your child burn off energy.

• Try cutting out cola drinks, tea and coffee. These drinks all contain caffeine and can make some children jumpy.

For more information on child behaviour Click overactive child