How to Prevent Misbehavior with Hyperactive Children

Hyperactive children seem to have endless energy that allows them to talk without pausing to take a breath and run all day without tiring. Although adults often envy their high energy levels, hyperactivity may cause a variety of problems for children. A hyperactive child may experience academic problems because he can't sit still long enough to do his work. He may also experience social problems when his behavior annoys his peers. At home, a hyperactive child may struggle to follow directions and may behave impulsively. Reduce the negative impact that hyperactivity has on your child by preventing behavior problems before they start.

Instructions

    • 1

      Praise your child's good behavior frequently. Positive attention reduces attention-seeking behavior and encourages good behavior to continue. Whenever you see your child playing quietly, walking calmly or following directions appropriately, point it out to him. Say "I really like the way you are playing so quietly today" to provide an incentive to keep it up.

    • 2

      Give instructions one step at a time. Hyperactive children often don't stay still long enough to hear multistep directions. Instead of listing everything you want your child to do today, start by saying "Put your socks on please." Once she's completed that task, provide her with the next one.

    • 3

      Establish clear rules and explain the consequences for breaking them ahead of time. Review your expectations before entering public settings so your child understands that he needs to use an inside voice in the library and walking feet in the grocery store.

    • 4

      Provide rewards for following the rules. Hyperactive children need frequent rewards to reinforce their good behavior. Offer small rewards throughout the day, such as extra time with electronics.

    • 5

      Channel your child's energy into exercise. Encourage your child to engage in 20 minutes of aerobic activity. Take her outside to play where she can run, climb and jump. Short, frequent bouts of exercise help children behave calmly, according to a 2012 study published in "The Journal of Pediatrics."

    • 6

      Set an earlier bedtime for your child. An extra 30 minutes of sleep reduces impulsivity and decreases restlessness in children, according to a 2012 study published in "Pediatrics." Extra sleep also helps children regulate their emotions, which often decreases behavior problems.

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