How to Get a Hyper Child to Bed

Hyper children are those who are overactive and find it difficult to calm themselves down. All children are hyper sometimes, whether from exhaustion, illness, excitement or the effects of foods and drinks. Some children are diagnosed with hyperactivity as part of attention deficit disorder, which means that they have a neurological predisposition to hyperactivity. Regardless of the cause, hyperactivity can make bedtime a challenge for an overactive child. Following some simple steps will help calm him down and get him to rest at night.

Things You'll Need

  • Soothing musical CD
  • Lavender bath wash

Instructions

  1. Before Bedtime

    • 1

      Keep the child active during the day. Hyper children need an outlet for their energy each and every day. If it's not possible to play outside or visit an indoor play area, have a dance party in your living room or set up an obstacle course in the basement.

    • 2

      Wind down after dinner. Provide your child with calm activities in the evening, such as playing with building blocks, doing puzzles, reading or drawing. Many hyper children grow more so after watching TV or playing video games, so try to avoid those activities as it gets closer to bedtime.

    • 3

      Keep to a routine. Predictability helps hyper children know what to expect and makes them feel more secure in their surroundings, which in turn will help them go to bed.

    At Bedtime

    • 4

      Be firm and calm. Don't negotiate or fight about when it's time to go to bed---help your hyper child understand that a regular bedtime is part of the routine.

    • 5

      Continue to wind down with a soothing bath or shower. Have your child use a lavender wash or gel, as lavender is shown to have calming properties. If you have more than one child, have them bathe one at a time so they don't aggravate each other during the bath-time routine.

    • 6

      Read together. Use the dimmest light possible, and read a story or a chapter with your child in her bedroom to help her relax. If she doesn't like reading, try letting her tell you a story about her day.

    • 7

      Play soothing music. Choose classical, lullaby or other instrumental music to indicate to your child that it's time to sleep.

    • 8

      Reward positive behavior. Start a sticker chart to praise your child each time he goes to bed and stays there. Provide a special treat when he reaches five or 10 stickers.

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