Want to know how to handle a hyperactive child? I’ve got you covered with three big strategies and over 20 simple activities that can change everything for hyperactive kids. Improve focus, attention, learning, and communication!
Sometimes my house can feel a little crazy. On any given day, I can be washing dishes at the sink (I spend a lot of time there) while I watch what seems like pure chaos unfolding around me. I try to focus on the sound of the rushing water that’s coming out of the spout and not the loud screams and shrills of laughing and playing coming from my boys.
I see my son Isaac running through the living room, down the hallway, and back again, making a loop a few times before heading to the couch and jumping on it, kicking all the throw pillows onto the floor (and on top of the toys that are scattered across the carpet). He’s yelling or singing in a big loud voice, I can’t tell which as I turn to scrub crusty food off of another plate.
But, it’s not long before I feel him whiz by me on his way upstairs only to be found moments later dragging all sorts of pillows and stuffed animals downstairs to jump and crash on.
This level of activity, energy, or whatever you want to call it, can continue unceasingly, and, if I try to interrupt or yell from the sink, it seems as though not a person can hear me. I begin to wonder, “Am I invisible?”
Au contraire, I need not worry long because now somebody is hurt, crying, and calling for me.
Is your home anything like mine?
Some will say, “Oh, that’s boys.” But, I’ve seen girls have just as much energy, although maybe not as often. Others might say, “You’re not parenting him right, get him under control.” And, still others will wonder, “Is he hyperactive?”
Why is My Child Hyperactive?
Personally, I think the word “hyperactive” is a big blanket term to describe any kid that is particularly active, like my Isaac. We use it to describe all sorts of behaviors, usually ones we don’t fully understand. To make it clear for this post, let’s define a hyperactive child as one that frequently seeks out movement and can have difficulty sitting still.
What makes some kids hyperactive? Well, there are tons of factors that include:
- Temperament – It’s who they are!
- Genetics – The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, if a parent was “hyperactive”, well, you get it.
- Diet – Can play a role if it’s a high carb/sugar diet or possible food sensitivities are involved.
- Environment – If it’s wild and disorganized in a room, it often promotes the same kind of actions.
- Season – Winter months may increase hyperactivity because of less free play outdoors.
- Sensory processing – How a child takes in the sensations from their environment is totally unique and kids that are hyperactive may be wanting more of those sensations simply because of how their brain works! (More on this in a minute…)
For most “hyperactive” children, a combination of these reasons are likely in play. And, the reasons can vary from day to day and week to week. On top of that, some kids can be hyperactive on particular days or all of the time.
The Game Changer for Hyperactive Kids…
While any of the above reasons can affect a child’s hyperactivity, there’s one common denominator that’s often at the root of a hyperactive child or toddler, and that’s sensory. It’s almost impossible for hyperactivity and sensory not to go together, they’re like peanut butter and jelly. Hyperactivity is looking for more activity whether that means a child is tipping back on their chair, jumping on the couch again, or getting up from the table 20 times during dinner.
The brain is looking for MORE sensations and it won’t be satisfied until it gets it. That’s why our hyperactive kids keep pushing the envelope, seeming not to hear or understand us when we tell them to sit down.
It seems like they’re being bad or defiant. This makes us feel like bad parents, and I am speaking from personal experience.
BUT, there’s a huge bright light at the end of the tunnel and that’s using sensory strategies to help us deal with and handle a hyperactive child or toddler.
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How to Handle a Hyperactive Child
When I think about how to handle a hyperactive child, three different solutions come to mind. They are sensory-based strategies that I’ve used as an OT and as a mom, but more importantly, they work! Let’s take a look:
1. Offer activities with rhythm and structure – It’s incredibly important for hyperactive and energetic kids to have an outlet for all that energy. Stifling it, or trying to, often will make it worse. But sometimes, a free for all can make things much worse as well. There’s a difference between going outside and running around everywhere and running back and forth between two points. The latter is putting some structure to an open activity that may otherwise just make your child more hyperactive.
Then, to kick it up a notch, if you combine some structure with rhythm, the rhythm is often even more calming and organizing to the body and mind (this is one of the sensory tricks). For instance, singing a rhythmic song like, “The Ants Go Marching One by One” or a military chant-like phrase, “March, one, two, three” over and over again to a specific beat during the activity.
I know that may sound strange, but think about the sound of that military chant repeating in your mind right now. Do you want to lift your feet to march, do you feel a sense of calm? Those are common experiences and when we pair songs or chants with a rhythmic, repeatable beat to motions like jumping, marching, or running, it can calm kids down quickly.
Now take those ideas of structure and rhythm and apply it to these activities:
- Playing sports – This is built in structure. So many sports your child can play with you, a sibling, or friend in the backyard or safe space in the home. With tons of sports to choose from, you have endless options.
- Obstacle course – These don’t have to be too complicated, think about simple ideas like crawling over and under objects, walking on a line, and hopping to the finish line. Click here for more inspiration.
- Going for a walk or run
- Jumping on a trampoline – As in my above example, try singing or simply counting, which is also great for steady focus. We have one like this.
- Climbing – Use a staircase on hands or knees, a jungle gym, a tree, or if you’re lucky enough a rock wall.
2. Free Active Time – Yes, the total opposite of what I just told you. While structure is important for a hyperactive child, so is free play. A time when they can run wildly if they choose without anyone telling them to stop.
Sometimes it’s best to lead with a period of time where they have the time and space to run wild and do what they like. Great if this can be outside, but inside the home can work too. Set some ground rules about safe behavior, and if it’s hard to watch, maybe there are some dishes you can do!
Here are some specific ideas for free active time you could use with your child:
- Run around outside
- Play on swing set
- Jump on couch or bed
- Have a dance party
- Roughhouse or playfully wrestle together
If your child is really ramped up instead of calmed down after some free play, then you may want to transition to either the first or third strategy afterward.
3. Relax – This is usually the last strategy I use for a hyperactive kid and especially before bed or during activities they need to sit as still for as possible. These aren’t always necessary, it depends on your child and the day. But, hyperactive kids can have a particularly hard time going from a high energy level to a lower one, using some calming activities, like these can make a huge difference:
- Rocking – Either in a swing, hammock, or rocking chair.
- Swinging – Think porch swing, not a contest for who can go the highest on the swing set (which is a great activity and can be helpful in it’s own right, but if you’re going for relaxation, that may not be it).
- Dim lights – Don’t underestimate this subtle change. Sometimes, just dimming the lights can help calm a child.
- Organized room – An organized space with toys and items put away can also have a big impact.
- Music – Think soft, slower music.
- Changing light – At times, my kids use these slow changing night lights/diffusers to watch as they drift off to sleep. A lava lamp can have the same effect.
Having a hyperactive child can be exhausting, in every sense of the word, but don’t lose hope, these three solutions, either used independently or together can have a tremendous impact on your child’s life. One caveat though, don’t give up on these too soon. It’s so important that you try all of these strategies multiple times. It will take you and your child some time to figure out what’s working and what’s not.
Tips for the Hyperactive Toddler
While everything above definitely applies to the younger crowd, toddlers can be a bit of their own beast, so I wanted to share a couple of extra tips for hyperactive toddlers:
Use sensory bins – Might be best to try this after some structured movement time, but many kids will become very attentive and focused on exploring different textures, often for longer than they’ll do other activities. Head over to my list of sensory bins for ideas and how to make them educational too.
Riding toys – Most toddlers have one, have it out often and encourage your hyperactive toddler to ride it and push it around. It’s fantastic sensory input that will likely calm them down.
Pile the couch cushions on the floor – All kids love this, but it’s especially perfect for toddlers. The climbing and jumping will meet their sensory needs.
Decrease screen time – I know how much the TV or tablet can be a lifesaver, but watch how often your hyperactive toddler is watching it. More and more studies are showing that screen time actually increases hyperactivity (See this article). I’ve noticed in my house, with much older kids, that after we watch a movie, which isn’t that often, it’s like someone just lit a fire under their behinds. Their hyperactivity is through the roof!
Now you have a plan for how to deal with a hyperactive child or toddler! But, if you haven’t received it already, you need to grab my Sensory Red Flags You Might Be Missing Printable. Whether sensory is new to you or not, it’s an important checklist to have.
**Click here to grab your free printable!**
More Help for How to Handle a Hyperactive Child
Genius Activities for Sensory Seeking Kids
8 Steps to Keep Your Child Seated for Meals
Powerful Proprioceptive Activities that Calm, Focus, & Alert
Epic Messy Play List that’s Sensory-filled, Inspiring, and Easy!
And…
I’m behind the scenes on Instagram showing you my real-life, in action, strategies I use with my kids. You’re not alone. Come join me here.
Alisha Grogan is a licensed occupational therapist and founder of Your Kid’s Table. She has over 14 years experience with expertise in sensory processing and feeding development in babies, toddlers, and children. Alisha also has 3 boys of her own at home. Learn more about her here.
I really enjoyed reading this. The part where you said something to the liking of not being able to watch – then rather go do some dishes – I was in stitches hahahahahaha.
This was super helpful – Thank You
I have a 4 year old who is the epitome of ACTIVE – I’d like to have an evaluation done at an OT. I’ll look into that.
Once more – thank you for your amazing story.
Hi Trez! Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your feedback! So glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Best,
Kalyn
i need more tips to able to help my child
Hi there! Definitely check out our free sensory workshop. It’s such a great place to start for more info about kids and their sensory systems. You can save your seat HERE. Please reach out to us with any questions at all.
Best,
Kalyn
Our six year old grandchild finishes his dinner in maybe five minutes. He is made to stay at the table for fifteen minutes, which results in him throwing a tantrum or nagging to get up and play. Both situations end up with him being sent to his room with lots of screaming.
I say, let him cleat his plate and play quietly in the adjacent living room, and allow him to return for dessert if their is any.
Dinner has become very uncomfortable for everyone, except his parents. No one has said anything to them.
Hi Paulette! Thanks for reaching out! Sorry to hear that mealtimes are stressful- we totally understand! He may need some patience and practice in order to work his way up to staying at the table for a longer mealtime. We have a post that talks all about this. Check it out here!
Best,
Kalyn
Many toddlers are very active. At what point should a parent take their toddler to an OT?
Hey Catherine,
It never hurts to get an evaluation even if they can help to provide you with some suggestions on where to go/what to do! But, we do have an article that may help with activities to try at home you can check it out HERE
Best,
Desiree
I’m a little confused about the rhythm and structure part. Can you share some ideas of that for a toddler?
Hey Catherine,
For rhythm and structure you want to make sure that they aren’t just running around. You can have them tag between different object running back and forth such as touch blue, touch red while running in the yard. You can have them stomp their feet while running and singing a song. Jumping on trampoline while keeping to the beat of music. All these things can be helpful to keep the structure!
Best,
Desiree
hi, my child is 6 years old, she has a absence seizures , we give her etozoximide sodium valproate and colisipan….but now she is hyperactive child. normally we give baby 1/4 colidine tablet in the night. but her educational concentration too bad…. pl give + ideas for serve our child…
thank you
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out! We understand how hard this can be! I’d try some of the suggestions from the article but you an also look at this Article as it will walk you through proprioceptive activities that are naturally calming for kids. Just make sure none of the activities are contraindicated for your child’s case!
Best,
Desiree
I have read many articles on ADHD, hyperactivity and sensory seeking. Your article is the best one I have come across! You stated what is needed, why, and then listed a handful of activities that could accomplish that need. AND you explained why each activity helps! Thank you! I am going to write short notes to refer to when my children become overly hyper. I am bookmarking your page and cannot wait to read more!
Oh that’s wonderful! Your comment made my day:)
There’s useful information in this text and I’m sure those who come across it will agree. I understand that this is very off topic , however one can not help but notice the child in the first picture of this reading. As a mother of a little girl I would not want OR have my daughter being displayed in such a way that she is. It would be best if this image were omitted as soon as possible, as it is rather inappropriate.
And why is it Inappropriate? Lol not following
I have researched for years, been to psychologists, counsellors, paediatricians and yet after all that have left feeling misunderstood and frustrated. Today I accidentally happened across your site and it is the very first time you over 10 years that I finally feel that I understand more about what is going on with my child. It is so tough knowing where to go to find the answers without feeling like you are going totally mental and that maybe everything is in your own mind as you just can’t find anything or anyone who can help☺️😟😕😕. So I just wanted to say thank you from a Mum who has searched for so long for some answers and some understanding!!
Hey Jo,
We’re so glad that you found us!! That is so wonderful to hear. Definitely check out our free sensory workshop. It’s such a great place to start for more info about kids and their sensory systems. You can save your seat HERE. Please reach out to us with any questions at all.
Best,
Andrea
Wow Angie, that’s unbelievable! Thanks so much for sharing your insights and experience, it will help others.
The article on hyperactive kids is close to accurate, but missed a couple. One thing that is unfortunetly missed is Restless Leg Syndrome. My daughter was diagnosed at 4 yrs old with sever ADHD. She did not sleep more than 4 hrs a day, and not in a row. She even walked in her sleep. She came off all meds by 4th grade for ADHD but was not diagnosed with Restless Leg Syndrome until she was 17 yrs old. She has an extremely severe case of RLS. She was also diagnosed with short term amensia at 18 yrs old. The schools insist on ADHD meds and push to much on ADD or ADHD instead of looking for other possible problems.
An an OT with RLS/PLMD diagnosed back to age 5 and not treated till 30’s or 40’s and still not effectively to this date, I feel for her. I use a lot of sensory strategies to avoid the meds they push for that Good luck to you and your daughter and thanks for getting the word . Out I have only met 2 younger children with it and one “outgrew” it? The other couldn’t get anything to help!