How to assist a hyperactive child
Feb 28, 2010
JANE Nalubega, a psychologist and the executive director of Child Health Advocacy International gives tips on how to assist a hyperactive child:
JANE Nalubega, a psychologist and the executive director of Child Health Advocacy International gives tips on how to assist a hyperactive child:
Establishing a regular routine can help a hyperactive child. Children tend to have difficulty transitioning when routines are not clear and consistent.
If a child knows that bedtime is at 8:00pm, he or she will naturally fall into the pattern of going to bed at that time. If bedtime is anytime, or if one allows a child with an 8:00pm bedtime deadline to go to bed at 9:00pm or 8:30pm, the child suffers from lack of routine and will act up.
Children love watching TV and many times it is the easiest way to make a hyperactive child sit down for a few minutes. However, most experts recommend that you avoid over stimulation.
Keep TV to a minimum and do not allow a hyperactive child to watch TV at night. A high volume can hype such children. Choose one or two programmes a day and keep it at that.
Nalubega says hyperactive children benefit by doing, not sitting. So offer them lots of activities and do not chase them away when doing their chores. Let them take part in chores instead of watching TV for hours.
“Give the child opportunities for exercise to let them burn off the extra steam,†she says.
Set clear rules, consequences and boundaries for hyperactive children and do not be flexible because such children need rules they clearly understand.
When introducing rules, speak directly to your child, using eye contact and ask the child to repeat what you have told them.
The rules should not be very strict and make sure it is something the child can do. Certain things like hitting, spitting or defiance should result in predictable consequences.
Hyperactive children easily get bored and their spinning minds need extra stimulation in the absence of better things to do.
Hyperactive children lean on their own, putting devices together. Get them to colour books, fill in crossword puzzles and paint.
Letting them mould clay and other things that may be of interest to them will prevent them from muddling valuable items.
In your free time, bond with your hyperactive child. Take a walk or read a special book together or be silly with your child.
Children respond to praise and are more likely to seek your attention by doing something good, if they are reinforced when they behave well.
Hyperactive children frequently receive attention from their parents in negative ways, whether the parent yells, spanks or punishes them. Changing to positive reinforcement techniques can retrain a child to desire your positive strokes rather than your negative responses.
Hyperactive children need a room that is clutter-free. Provide natural lighting by opening the curtains and minimise posters and wall hangings. While painting the bedroom, use muted colours instead of bright colours.
Proper nutrition cannot be left out in management of the disorder and should, therefore, be considered as part of the treatment protocol.
Specialists recommend that 90% of sugar be cut from the diet and that no artificial sweeteners should be used. Nutritionists advise that parents avoid foods with artificial colour such as sweets and coloured soft drinks.
The most sensible approach to nutrition for children with the disorder is a diet that provides plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain, good sources of protein and less fat.
Consulting a nutritionist is a good idea to help parents with hyperactive children identify a problem or offer advice on a diet regime to try.
It is important to recognise that hyperactive children do not always have the control other children possess. Do not fault a child for what he or she cannot control, so learn to deal with this before you end up being a resentful parent with a sullen angry child.
Compiled by Doreen Murungi
Establishing a regular routine can help a hyperactive child. Children tend to have difficulty transitioning when routines are not clear and consistent.
If a child knows that bedtime is at 8:00pm, he or she will naturally fall into the pattern of going to bed at that time. If bedtime is anytime, or if one allows a child with an 8:00pm bedtime deadline to go to bed at 9:00pm or 8:30pm, the child suffers from lack of routine and will act up.
Children love watching TV and many times it is the easiest way to make a hyperactive child sit down for a few minutes. However, most experts recommend that you avoid over stimulation.
Keep TV to a minimum and do not allow a hyperactive child to watch TV at night. A high volume can hype such children. Choose one or two programmes a day and keep it at that.
Nalubega says hyperactive children benefit by doing, not sitting. So offer them lots of activities and do not chase them away when doing their chores. Let them take part in chores instead of watching TV for hours.
“Give the child opportunities for exercise to let them burn off the extra steam,†she says.
Set clear rules, consequences and boundaries for hyperactive children and do not be flexible because such children need rules they clearly understand.
When introducing rules, speak directly to your child, using eye contact and ask the child to repeat what you have told them.
The rules should not be very strict and make sure it is something the child can do. Certain things like hitting, spitting or defiance should result in predictable consequences.
Hyperactive children easily get bored and their spinning minds need extra stimulation in the absence of better things to do.
Hyperactive children lean on their own, putting devices together. Get them to colour books, fill in crossword puzzles and paint.
Letting them mould clay and other things that may be of interest to them will prevent them from muddling valuable items.
In your free time, bond with your hyperactive child. Take a walk or read a special book together or be silly with your child.
Children respond to praise and are more likely to seek your attention by doing something good, if they are reinforced when they behave well.
Hyperactive children frequently receive attention from their parents in negative ways, whether the parent yells, spanks or punishes them. Changing to positive reinforcement techniques can retrain a child to desire your positive strokes rather than your negative responses.
Hyperactive children need a room that is clutter-free. Provide natural lighting by opening the curtains and minimise posters and wall hangings. While painting the bedroom, use muted colours instead of bright colours.
Proper nutrition cannot be left out in management of the disorder and should, therefore, be considered as part of the treatment protocol.
Specialists recommend that 90% of sugar be cut from the diet and that no artificial sweeteners should be used. Nutritionists advise that parents avoid foods with artificial colour such as sweets and coloured soft drinks.
The most sensible approach to nutrition for children with the disorder is a diet that provides plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grain, good sources of protein and less fat.
Consulting a nutritionist is a good idea to help parents with hyperactive children identify a problem or offer advice on a diet regime to try.
It is important to recognise that hyperactive children do not always have the control other children possess. Do not fault a child for what he or she cannot control, so learn to deal with this before you end up being a resentful parent with a sullen angry child.
Compiled by Doreen Murungi