Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just settle down?!" phrase well, and likely use it on a regular basis.

There are a number of tips to help parents settle their hyperactive child down. These quick tips and relaxation techniques take the same amount of time as yelling and scolding but produce incredibly different results in hyperactive children.

Quick Calming Tips:

Try quick tips to calm a hyperactive child down during temper outbursts or unusually rowdy days. These calming tips are not novel to adults by any stretch. How many times have you heard "Take a deep breath and count to 10" or "Calgon, take me away." What works for big people works for little people as well.

• Deep breathing is one of the simplest ways to calm the body. Teach your children to take deep breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth) when they begin to feel frustrated and out of control. Parents, you do this too!
• Draw a warm salt bath or bubble bath to wash away the hyperactive child's stresses of the day.
• Take your hyperactive child for a walk or send them around the block on their own if they are old enough. Not only does walking burn off excess energy, the repetitive thump, thump, thump of feet hitting pavement brings the mind back into focus.
• Give your hyperactive child a mini-massage. Touch is very important to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder children. Massaging their temples, giving a shoulder rub or lightly running your fingers through their hair can calm children quickly.
• Put together a "Boredom Box" that provides creative outlets for your hyperactive child. Fill this box or plastic storage bin with paint sets, coloring books, crossword puzzles, modeling clay, jewelry making kits and other artistic areas of interest. Hyperactive children bore easily and their fast spinning minds need extra stimulation. In the absence of nothing better to do, hyperactive children will lean on their own devises and you don't want them doing that. Better that they draw than set the cat on fire...

The quick-fix calming techniques work to sooth the hyperactive child after they already became too stressed or active. There are also techniques that parents can teach their hyperactive children to help them get the "stuff" out before it builds up and explodes.

Create a calming home environment:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder children have difficulty remaining calm in a hectic environment. Clearing the clutter and taking a "less is more" approach to decorating can reduce the sensory overload on Attention Deficit and hyperactive children.

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child's bedroom especially should be free of clutter. Use plastic bins to organize and store all those precious little plastic treasures (that we adults commonly refer to as "junk") and small toys. Open the curtains to provide natural lighting. Keep posters and wall hangings to a minimum. Paint the child's bedroom in calming muted colors instead of bright primary colors.

Follow a Routine:

All children thrive in homes that provide routines, consistency and structure. Attention Deficit and hyperactive children especially need structure and schedules to feel secure in their surroundings. For these children, a more "military" approach to routines works better. Waking up, eating meals, doing homework, and bed times should all occur at about the same time every day, with few surprises to upset the Attention Deficit or hyperactive child.

A Place to Relax:

If at all possible, find a space in the house to designate as a relaxation space. It does not have to be a large space but it does need to be away from high activity areas. This little corner (or even a portion of a walk-in closet) can have a beanbag chair and a few books, coloring books or other quiet time activities.

Encourage your child to go to this space when they become angry or out of control, but never make this a place of punishment. This special spot in the house is a positive place where they can go to settle down, sort things out or just hang out when they need to be alone.

Journaling:

For the child who is old enough to write, journaling is an excellent way to untangle frazzled minds and get things off their chest. This technique allows hyperactive children to spill their internal stresses outside themselves and onto paper.

Develop a daily habit of having your child write a page or two, depending on their age, about anything that comes to mind. They can write "I hate school, the dog just drooled, the baby's crying is driving me crazy..." - whatever comes to mind. Eventually, they will get to the guts of what is going on inside them. Then rumple or tear the paper up and throw it away.

These private internal thoughts are not for you or anyone else to read, ever. Please respect their privacy and let them know they can write anything down without fear of reprimand.

Taking a mini-vacation with Guided Imagery:

Guided imagery is a powerful relaxation tool for hyperactive children that pulls their focus to positive thoughts, all the while encouraging creativity in your child. You can check out books on this technique at your local library if you want further information on the subject.

Last, but certainly not least, diet:

Some parents find that reducing or eliminating sugar from the diet goes a long way in calming the hyperactive child. If your child is a finicky eater, you will need to supplement the diet to make sure your Attention Deficit or hyperactive child has the fuels needed for his body to function well.

Starting the day out with a healthy breakfast balanced with proteins, fats and carbs is important. An egg sandwich, peanut butter toast and fresh fruit, protein shakes and fresh fruit smoothies are great ways to start the day for Attention Deficit and hyperactive children.

Sugar cereals are quick and convenient but should not be used as a breakfast mainstay. Fruit juices are high in calories and sugar and not recommended for children, especially those with Attention Deficit or hyperactivity. Instead of juice or sodas, get in the habit of offering plain old H2O. With plenty of bottled waters that offer fruit flavors and vitamin enhancements, getting your children hydrated is easier now than ever before.

Bio: Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an Attention Deficit Disorder son. Visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center at http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com for effective drug-free alternatives to Ritalin, Concerta and other ADHD medications.

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Hyper Active Disorder!

I think is might hard to get hyper active because i havin suffering being hyper active disoder i alway get treatment from doctor and take some a little bit more medication is hard to be ADD

rubben , June 09, 2009 | url

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My 3 year old is very hyper. I was hyper and treated very poorly in school. I am scared for him.

stacy pannell , July 24, 2009

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My child is 8yrs old.He was hyper and make him sit seperately in school. If he is home we cannot tolerate his activites

krithika , August 02, 2009

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i tame to the pshycologist for past 2 days. He is taking other things,snacks etc in school. Nowadays he is telling lies. I dont know what to do with him. Iam getting more complaints from school. He is beating other childrens, if they dont give him what is ask.

krithika , August 02, 2009

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My son seems impossible to handle, he always jumpes the furniture and walks away when i want to talk to him. He never listens,I feel that he can't help it and that his behavior is not on purpose like this.I started natural focus attention powder which helps him to calm down.
I believe that he is missing important minerals and vitamines to function properly.

Carolina R. , August 04, 2009

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oooh boyyy

i dont know how to help control my boyfriends son. we live together but his son is 7yrs old going on 17. He just cant calm down. he is always screaming, jumping on the furniture, spilling his drinks and food, breaking things. we dont want to put him on medicine because we dont want him to be a 'dope' kid. I would love to find a diet to keep him on just to calm him down. we try to keep him away from sugar but when he goes to his mothers, she lets him eat and drink whatever he wants and he wont stick to a regular routine. What should I do?

Vorous , September 10, 2009

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Hyperactive kid worried

I thought only my son was hyper-active before reading this write-up.

My son is 2 years 8 months old kid. His teacher branded him as a hyper-active. She makes him sit separately from other students. And the teacher complains that, he often beats, scratches other kids at school. I am hearing one or other complaint everyday. I do not want to punish him, because he is too small to get punishment. At the same time, I do not want teachers to blame him as a "bad boy".

Sometimes he himself tells that he is a bad boy (I think, that kind of impression has been registered in his mind due to teacher's abuses).

I feel it very bad. Please suggest me that how should I make my son normal.

Vish , September 16, 2009

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what do I do

I have a four year old, five in two weeks, and her teacher does nothing but complain about her. She can't focus, she is very implusive, and can't sit still. My first thought was well she's four....what do you expect? However, now I am starting to worry. I know that at this age she can't be offically disgnosed with ADD or ADHD and I refuse to medicate her but I have to find something to make the schooling situation better......any ideas?

Jamie , September 18, 2009

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i need help

My son seems impossible to handle, he always jumpes the furniture and walks away when i want to talk to him. He never listens,I feel that he can't help it and that his behavior is not on purpose like this
His teacher branded him as a hyper-active. She makes him sit separately from other students. And the teacher complains that, he often beats, scratches other kids at school. I am hearing one or other complaint everyday. I do not want to punish him, because he is too small to get punishment. At the same time, I do not want teachers to blame him as a "bad boy".

Sometimes he himself tells that he is a bad boy (I think, that kind of impression has been registered in his mind due to teacher's abuses).

I feel it very bad. Please suggest me that how should I make my son normal.

shayan , October 31, 2009

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Solutions

I was reading that touch is very important and I agree. It's equally frustrating for the hyperactive child as it is for you the parent. Imagine always being yelled at or controlled or told wha to do when inside of you you've got a million thoughts on the go and sometimes your limbs are uncontrollable!!! My daughter seems to respond well to a diet with less sugar and you can certainly se the difference in her behaviour. ALL parties have to work together-no point in being strict with diet and discipline in one house if it goes out the window as soon as the child gets to another home. KETCHUP is a big no-no! If your child loves ketchup, make sure it's organic. Fish oils are good for concentration and it's brain food! Give a child a good twenty minutes to express whatever it is he or she may be feeling. Run, jump, skip at the park, tear their room apart etc-all done knowing after there will be a period on concentration required from them either to complete homework, or clea up the room etc. GOOD LUCK!

Mari , November 17, 2009

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ideas--Not necesarily good

I am a hyperactive adult and even now I seem to get my self in trouble off an on just out of impulse problems. I am also very intellegent but most of these ideas are just that.

Some insight:
Massage may work but not if worked up. I cannot stand being touched, and hate people getting too close to me when I am in a fit. I needed to learn to refocus and redirect my energy and I can tell you I am so all over the place at times I can be very unpredictable. I am also one of the most aggresive special needs advocates and can out read many people and out research most people because I am so detailed in my directional focus I over do it and over think. I also get bored fast and move from one item to another without finishing frequently.

Food coloring I purposly use (red #40 yellow #6) when I am dragging because they are a neuro stimulant like no other. I get serious head rushes and can't sleep if I have caffine after noon even though I regularly have problems sleeping.

Stress is a big issue for me and I freak out on all SSI drugs. When I lack sleep and am tired I can't stop talking and my heart races when I try to sleep. I get very agitated when stress and lack of sleep even though lack of sleep can help to calm me down. There is one drug out there meant for stage fright that slows the metabolism that works well to calm me down but I have no idea what the name was and it causes weight gain (I don't need that I am 36yo and 3 kids/ do the math).

ADD drugs like ridalin (speling?) work but only to the point of making me unable to create new thought of my own. I can follow dirctions but not be creative like I am. As an adult it works in my favor to be hyper because I have the energy and more than most young kids.

Find your kid's talent and build on that. Classrooms are not designed for most kids. Stratagies like sitting on a ball in class and having things to fidget with can be good but the kid can become freaked if forced to sit in a room for long times. I still love video games but tend to obsess when I play them. Researching and doing things most can't is my big thing.

Ask kids to help with tasks. ADD and ADHD in my opinion can be used as a tool. Math is usually strong except algebra. Number processing and data of any sort is good. I once did a study of what the average color of car was, the average number of dots on the ceiling tiles, where people put their groceries which I had to divide into subcatagories and when I was a kid I studied facial expressions and as an adult I am proficient in sign language, and can read when people have agendas and want to say more. I pick up on cues like nobody else. Art is huge also when I was young. Most hyper kids are smart and their brains run triple speed than most. We also produce more insulin that can lead to low blood sugars so regulate the balence between protien, and carbs along with veggies. Non-Calorie sweeteners make changes to blood sugar and create a hi like you are floating and feel funny (can be fun but not desired). I take seizure meds when I can't control my blood sugars and depakote also helps to calm when I am real bad. I said too much already but there is so much more---Alaine

Mom of 3 , December 02, 2009

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There are many children i deal with and being a care taker the tips given here are really good to know and implement.
I would also like to share something that these children like to be in cool colored houses and they play mostly with the rugs and smooth things which attract them.

West Los Angeles Chiropractic , January 15, 2010 | url

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pls help my Child, he is hyperactive he is not sitting in one place for more than 1-2 minutes, due to this he was out from 4 different schools. waiting for ur reply.

rasheed , January 25, 2010

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i am a 20yr old who behaves like a 6yr old because i cant stop the rushes i get in my joints when i am doing nothing.when i am in an environment where i need to keep still,i get irritated and think of funny things.people often complain with the rate of my thinking capacity and i cant stand a person who needs me to explain what i say.

CHERE MICHAEL , February 24, 2010

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Urgent help needed

I have 10 year old son. He is repeatedly getting introuble at school as he cannot sit still for prolonged preriods of time. I took him for an occupational assessment last year, and they told me he is not hyperactive but have low muscle tone. I do not want him to go on retalin, or any such drugs, but would like to know what I should do. He is also aggressive and the teacher makes him sit alone in front of the class.I have to have a meeting with his school teacher frequently and I aleays feel like it's all my fault. Please help.

Nontobeko Lamula , March 07, 2010

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I'm so desperate

I'm so down that I just realised that my 3year old son is hyperactive. I mean I got his first appointment with the psychiatrist. And I'm scared to put him on medication as he is very bright when it comes to learning things. But he can't focus on eveyday routine and activity. He thinks it is a play. Same things being told repeatedly is getting me more and more down. I can't take care of myself when I see myself going through repeated depression because of my son's behaviour. He breaks everything he lands on, including toys,non stop shouting, screaming,his teacher says that he never in one place. I can't send him to school as the teacher doesn't want to cope. Please help.

shal , May 13, 2010

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business women

my child have 7 years old , he is hyper active , he have a big problem in school , in this moment he is out of the bus because he bit a girl and he say to her a bad worlds ,
in class he breakind the class pen , ... did i must punish him for no going to go to the swiming pool exercices ( because he love to do sport ?)

chiraz , May 20, 2010

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MY SISTER LOOKS SMALLER THAN HER AGE

MY SISTER IS 7YEARS OLD, HER INTERLLEGENCE IS 50%, SHE IS VERY HYPERACTIVE, SHE REFUSE TO EAT, SLEEPING, FROM MORNING TILL NIGHT SHE IS PLAY AND SHE WILL NOT FEEL TIRED, ALSO SHE WILL PASS URINE AND STOOL IN HER CLOTH, IN MY CONTRY THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT HER IN SCHOOL. PLEASE HELP ME

NURSE123 , June 24, 2010

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Hyperactive child aged 4

My daughter has just turned 4 she is very hyperactive , she is now not eating breakfast on a morning , she is always shouting , she is now starting to hurt her siblings , who are 8 , 7 & 5 would love to chat with other parents , who are like me , love their child unconditional , but need to chat with other parents , on tips , etc . She does not have crisps ,pop , any e numbers .
She is due to start primary school in september .
Yours sincerely

Tanya M , June 30, 2010

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wow thats my son

I wish i hadnt of read all this in a way and then again its a good thing , MY husband refuses to agree there is a problem with our 2 yr old but he has lost friend and is always hitting chidren and im feeling v isolated

rachel 3000 , July 06, 2010

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