How to React to a Child's Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral issue in children. Children who are hyperactive can be a challenge to parent and sometimes require a more thought-out discipline and parenting plan than is needed with other children.

Instructions

• 1

  Focus on remaining calm and in control no matter the child's behavior or demeanor. Your modeling of appropriate behavior is key.

• 2

  Maintain a regular but flexible schedule. This is before school, after school and weekends. Knowing the flow of a typical day brings some order to the chaos for a child with hyperactivity.

• 3

  Set clear, consistent rules, with clear consequences and rewards, depending on your child's behavior and choices. Write them out, explain them simply and try to use the same wording each time.

• 4

  Avoid frustrating a child who is hyperactive or has ADHD with long lectures or extreme punishments, which only lead a child to feeling defeated.

• 5

  Play up the positives and reward and praise everything you can. Success builds on success.