Parents of children with hyperactivity face special challenges. Although it is normal to expect a child will be restless, hyper children may display difficulty listening, impulsive behaviors and problems with completing tasks. When these actions occur, employ a specific discipline method to establish which behaviors are and are not considered acceptable.
Step 1
Firmly explain to your child the desired behavior you would like him to model, and tell him the action you will perform if he does not follow this behavior. Use a tone of voice that is calm yet authoritative. For example, if your child will not pick up his toys, say, "You have one more chance to pick up your toys. If you do not, I will keep them until you can behave." Refrain from shouting or appearing strained when speaking.
Step 2
Create a "timeout" room in your home where you can place your child if his behavior continues to be unsuitable. The room should be free from distractions, such as a television or proximity to a noisy room. Hyperactive children do not respond well to violent forms of discipline, so establish a safe haven where a child can calm down after a hyperactive incident.
Step 3
Place your child in this timeout room when he misbehaves. To determine the proper amount of time a child should be placed in the timeout room, use the formula one minute per one year of age. For example, a 7-year-old child should be placed in timeout for 7 minutes. It may be a good idea during this time to give yourself your own timeout, as your child's negative behaviors can undoubtedly be stressful.
Step 4
Ask your child to fix the negative behavior he participated in. Following a timeout, he should feel calmer. Having your child redress the behavior is a way to complete the circle of acknowledging your child has done something wrong, helping your child calm down and then allowing him to learn from his behavior. For example, if your child breaks a toy, have him pick up the pieces of the toy and properly dispose of them. You may even ask him to fill the space where the toy formerly was stored to make him understand that the toy will not be going back to that spot.
