If your child displays an overactive personality or temperament, it can be hard to cope with his behavior and its repercussions. Kids Health explains that when a child is difficult to calm, especially when he is throwing a temper tantrum, there is generally a reason. While your child's hyperactivity and overactive behavior can be frustrating, getting to the bottom of the problem will help determine a way to calm him down.
Causes
The causes of an overactive child could simply be something obvious such as having an overload of energy, being extremely tired or having too much sugar or sweets with her lunch. It is important to look at all options when trying to decipher what is causing her over-activity. Some children are simply overwhelmed by being around a lot of other children, and playing in groups could bring out a range of emotions, especially in young children. In severe cases, a psychological or behavioral disorder could be the cause of a child who is difficult to calm.
Problems
If your child is throwing a tantrum, is extremely overactive and difficult to calm, this can cause problems for him with both his peers and the adults who supervise him. In a peer setting such as a daycare, school or even when visiting a friend's house, if your son shows signs of overactive behavior he can come off as being domineering or aggressive with other children. This can cause problems with making and maintaining relationships and friendships. If this type of behavior proceeds at school, he may find himself disrupting the classroom or getting disciplined on a regular basis.
Considerations
Consider the fact that if your daughter is continually acting out and is difficult to calm down, there are several disorders that could be contributing to her behavior. Healthy Children states that some types of behavioral disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder and conduct problems should be ruled out by a developmental behavioral pediatrician or psychiatrist to ensure there is not an underlying problem.
Warning
If your child is hard to handle and shows signs of hostility, he may have a conduct disorder, states Medline Plus. Some of the symptoms include stealing, lying, poor school performance, tantrums, argumentative behavior and hostility toward authority such as caregivers, parents and teachers. Most psychologists will diagnose your son with a conduct disorder if these symptoms are present for more than six months. While an overactive child can show all of these signs in isolated events, these behaviors can turn into habitual occurrences.
Solutions
When your child is acting out and is difficult to calm or reason with, you need to find a solution to her behavior. Family Education suggests not to give in completely but to offer your daughter a firm choice from her poor behavior. Shift the situation from her anger and outburst by moving her to a new location and talking her through her emotions. Try to transform any negative behavior or outbursts to something completely different such as her favorite hobby or toy. This may help her transfer her focus from being high strung to behavior that is more manageable and acceptable.
