Hyperactivity ( or ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is defined in modern psychology as a neurobihervioral disorder. It is often questionable how much of a "disorder" it is, or simply a matter of temperament or energy, which is in the very nature of the child.
Contributing to this is the fact that "hyperactivity" is a word that is used quite often among parents. Some people think that a hyperactive child is the one who runs around constantly. However, a child can be very energetic and restless without hyperactivity.
A child who is really hyperactive cannot sit. He is constantly fidgeting, catching things, talking or running, even when he is told to be calm. Children like this are simply more than active. It is as if some "electrification" and some "overemphasis" is constantly present around them.
Every child sometimes behaves like this. However, when it comes to hyperactivity, what distinguishes this "disorder" from "normal" behavior is that overemphasis is constantly present and the child fails to control it. A hyperactive child is constantly active in a way that does not befit the time and place where he is. This "constant" makes the basic difference between hyperactivity and what is considered "normal" behavior. Hyperactive children are often described as naughty, disobedient and impulsive. It is true that it is more difficult for a hyperactive child than for another to develop skills of controlling behavior, emotions and activity levels. As a result, parents often do not know what to do with such a child. Parents struggle with stress, frustration and lack of respect from the child.
Also, parents may feel ashamed of their child's behavior and may wonder what they did wrong. The child is not hyperactive due to lack of discipline or because he is rude. Moreover, a child who is overly active often wants to calm down, because it would be easier for him to follow and get involved in the events around him. It is frustrating for the child himself that it is difficult for him to do what he knows is expected of him. The most important for a parent of a hyperactive child is to be educated about ADHD and about parenting styles that can help or hinder the child. In the end, such children often stand out in many positive aspects of personality: creativity, wit, imagination, intelligence, motor skills, ... but some, for other children, simple requirements, such as standing in line or walking without running, fall difficult.
Here are a few examples of typical behavior in a hyperactive child:
He mostly runs and shouts while playing, even when he is inside, not outside.
When there is a requirement for all children to sit, for example, in kindergarten, a hyperactive child often gets up and walks around.
It moves very fast, so that it bumps into people and things, it often stumbles, hits or falls.
When he is playing,he is too rough, accidentally hurting yourself or other children in the game.
He needs to say something all the time
He often interrupts others in conversation.
He is constantly moving from one place to another, often awkwardly.
He fidgets and needs to take everything into his own hands and play with it.
It is difficult for him to sit at the table during meals or other quiet activities.
Keep in mind that it is often very difficult to make a difference between hyperactivity and "normal" children's behavior. If you recognize only some of the signs of hyperactivity or certain signs appear only in some situations, then it is probably not an attention deficit disorder, or ADHD.
How to help a hyperactive child?
Look for patterns of behavior in the child. When is hyperactivity most pronounced in a child? What exactly does it look like? For example, it may appear as fidgeting, restlessness, or constant talking. If your child finds it difficult to calm down at dinner or some quiet activity, you can try to calm him down first with a favorite book or toy. Or to hug and caress the child, physical tenderness can completely calm the child. Give your child many ways to be active through play, sports, physical activities and activities. Hyperactivity in a child is very difficult for both parents and educators. What is important is not to let the child feel ashamed. Convince the child that the way he feels and behaves is normal and that over time and with your support, he will be more skilled in controlling his impulses and emotions.