Children are balls of energy just waiting to to explode in a variety of activities such as running and jumping. Younger children are more prone to hyperactivity because energy levels are higher at this stage of life --- the world is a big place just waiting to be explored. Although you may find yourself becoming increasingly agitated by your child's short attention span and constant movement, calming her for daily tasks doesn't have to be frustrating. Discuss your child's activity level and diet with her pediatrician, who can give advice specific to your situation.
Outdoor Time
Good weather can provide you with the ideal environment to help your child burn off excess energy. Taking him for a walk or to the playground gives your child much-needed physical activity. Because hyperactivity is worsened by stress, outdoor play can help by providing an outlet for your child's frustrations and promoting muscle relaxation. According to Jeannine Virtue, a freelance journalist who has researched attention deficit hyperactivity disorder extensively and has a child who suffers from the condition, repetitive motion such as walking can also help your child regain his focus instead of jumping back and forth between emotions and tasks.
Indoor Activity
Reading books and watching movies is a wonderful way for families to bond, but with a hyperactive child this may not be the easiest way to unwind. Although your first instinct might be to punish your little one for the disruption, allowing her more freedom is a better solution. For example, the BabyCenter website suggests allowing your child to wander in the room while you read to her instead of forcing her to sit on your lap or the floor. Try dancing with your child to music that both of you enjoy. Dancing is an excellent way to burn energy and wear out an energetic kid.
Games
Games designed around focus can be very effective, particularly in younger children. Hyperactive children commonly show difficulty in focusing on one activity at a time. For toddlers, banging on pots and pans or exploration games not only provide an outlet for depleting hyperactivity but also help expand little minds during this crucial period of development. Older children may benefit from games made out of daily activities, such as a contest to see how many chores can be done by each participant. Don't force your child to play for too long. Even a 10-minute game will help you calm your child in the long run. Ensuring that you child burns excess energy through physical activity should be enough.
Calming and Discipline
Muscle tension is common with hyperactive children, Virtue notes. For this reason, massage can help calm your child more than you realize. A simple shoulder rub or scalp massage relaxes muscles and promotes the physical contact that many children need during development. Discipline is another key factor to how your child responds to excess energy. Corporal punishment and yelling can increase stress and cause hyperactivity to worsen. Instead, try talking with your child, not at him. Keep a calm, steady voice and avoid spankings. Reward your child for good behavior with age-appropriate prizes such as a new toy or a trip to the zoo. This will help you reinforce positive behavior without making matters worse.
Nutrition and Diet
Foods you give your child can also play an important role on hyperactivity. While it's easier to grab a sugar-loaded snack when dealing with a hyperactive child, these same sugars are likely contributing to the problem. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods, cakes, candies and sugary sodas or juices. Avoid feeding your child right before bed, too. Food is designed to give you energy, so eating right before bed may prevent your child from getting a restful night's sleep despite your efforts to wear him down during the day. Try setting up a bedtime routine to which you adhere every night. This can help your child's body understand when it is time to relax through cues such as brushing his teeth, taking a warm bath or reading a bedtime story.
