How to Deal With Active Children
Children display different levels of activity. Some are happy to sit quietly and read a book or watch television; others are more physically oriented and have higher reserves of energy. Many energetic children are rambunctious and prone to horseplay and roughhousing. However, there is a fine line between an active child and an overactive one. Overactivity in kids can lead to unruly and disruptive behavior. Doctors sometimes prescribe drugs and recommend therapy to control their behavior, but you can deal with high-spirited children in subtler ways.
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Instructions
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Give the active child a tightly structured schedule. Organize his time with planned activities so his extra energy doesn't lead to troublesome or aggressive activities. Establish a strict set of rules governing consequences of irresponsible actions. Adhere to the rules with few exceptions. Set up guidelines for punishment ahead of time, before an offense occurs. Take away privileges and the child's favorite activities, such as watching television or playing games. Enforce the punishment consistently to teach limits on behavior. Offer positive ways the child can make better use of his time and energy.
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Learn to channel the high energies of active children into positive and constructive endeavors. Engage their attention and involve them in craft projects and learning activities using the computer. Involve active children in household chores such as cleaning their room and organizing toys and books. Get active children started on long-term projects such as kite-building or sculpting polymer clay. Keep them busy, disciplined and focused for hours at a stretch.
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Use nonverbal cues to deal with active children. Display serious facial expressions and body postures. Speak authoritatively in a loud, attention-getting voice when they start to get out of control. When children get rowdy, get down to their eye-level and move in close, like a drill sergeant. Let children on the verge of hyperactivity know you mean business by giving them time-outs in a designated chair or corner.
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Provide outlets for active children to burn off their energy. Plan physically demanding activities such as swimming, dancing or exercising to wear out kids. Go to the park, and let small children run on the trails. Indulge the active child's desire to "do" something. Get a trampoline or basketball hoop, and encourage kids to play outdoors or at the playground. A physically tired child is likely to be in a quiet, reflective mood and less prone to test your patience.
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Learn to direct and organize the energies of active children. Interact with them, and involve them in planning the day's activities. Give a child daily duties, such as caring for a pet, to teach responsibility. Keep active children busy and occupied, or they can become fidgety and act impulsively. Enforce a strict schedule at meals and bedtimes to discipline disorganized and highly active children. Reward and praise them when they work to overcome a propensity for annoying behavior caused by high levels of activity.
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Tips & Warnings
Act like an adult at all times when dealing with active children. Don't lose your temper.
Avoid overusing punishment. Use positive reinforcement with active children.
References
Resources
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