How to Calm Hyperactive Children
- 1). Help a hyperactive child assess his breathing when he wants to calm down, especially if he is angry or frustrated. Encourage him to take deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
- 2). Relieve stress in a hyperactive child by letting her take a warm bubble bath or salts bath. Add one or two simple toys to the water, but avoid overwhelming the child with lots of stimulating bath toys.
- 3). Get physical with your hyperactive child by giving him a small massage. Human touch lets children know that you love them, and the massaging motions have a calming effect.
- 4). Put together a box filled with quiet activities children can use when they want to slow down a bit. This box could include puzzles, paints, jewelry-making kits, and favorite books, among other activities.
- 5). Set the mood in a room by keeping lighting low or putting on relaxing music when a hyperactive child needs to calm down. Consider a special area where the hyperactive child can get away from stimulating activities on a regular basis to get some downtime.
- 6). Stick to routines so hyperactive children know what to expect and what is expected from them. Prepare such children for unusual activities by explaining what is going to happen, and discuss ways they can keep calm even with the excitement brought on by the different activities.
- 7). Avoid cool drinks, sugar, food coloring, and preservatives in food that might cause agitation. A healthy and balanced diet helps a hyperactive child keep the chemicals in her body under control.
- 8). Provide outlets for extra energy, such as running around and exercising. This helps a hyperactive child know that there is a time and place to let off his excess energy, which helps him keep calm in other situations.
