When a child is restless or talks incessantly, it is a matter of accumulating energy, something that is perfectly natural at a young age. Although it can easily tire those around you, it is important to let it move and express itself. But when this type of behavior goes on for too long or occurs at inappropriate times. It is important to learn techniques and strategies that teach us how to deal with hyperactive child at home.
How to deal with hyperactive child at home?
The causes of too much agitation in children can be numerous. The most important thing is to observe the little one well and know how to recognize when he is more agitated than normal to take action on the matter. These may be possible causes that promote your restlessness.
The diet
In some children, gluten, eggs, and milk cause an allergic reaction that generates IgG antibodies. It interrupts the functioning of chemical neuromediators, especially dopamine. Its function is to stimulate the brain regions of attention, the sense of organization and control of movement.
It is also not a good idea to include processed foods in a child’s diet, in fact, in that of any human being. Instead, look for organic foods for your diets.
The technology
The increased use of computers, mobile phones and video games by children at the expense of contact with nature may explain the stress of their behavior. The agitated child is constantly excited, unable to control himself. It is much less able to focus his attention on a task, calm and without dispersing.
Change of environment
A significant change at school or home or not feeling comfortable in a new environment can be a source of irritation in a child. Since the little one does not know how to channel this feeling, they may experience anxiety or insecurity. It eventually manifested in their behavior.
How to help a child to be calmer?
The family context and immediate surroundings may not be conducive to calm. Therefore, implementing routines could then give the child physical and emotional stability. A stable, predictable and consistent environment will help you reduce your stress. Some routines that can be implemented are:
Promote your dream
A school-age child should sleep at least 10-11 hours a night. So try to create a stable routine that promotes sleep in your little one.
Watch your diet
Make sure your child is eating well enough. All meals, even snacks, are especially important for your concentration.
Stimulates their physical activity
Encourage your child to move. A child should have at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day. Go for a walk, play in the park, or play a ball game with him. Encourage them to play sports that promote self-control. Such as martial arts, an activity that can be very beneficial for their concentration.
Decrease the use of screens
Avoid excessive use of computers, mobile devices (tablets and phones) and television before bed. Screens not only overstimulate the brain before sleeping. Their brightness promotes brain activity rather than quieting it. Avoid having a TV in your room.
Teach relaxation exercises
Teach your child to relax when he needs it. Do simple relaxation exercises with him. Practice abdominal breathing and have fun doing yoga and meditation poses.
Help him express his emotions
Help your child express himself and identify his emotions. When you read him a story, ask him about the characters’ experience or ask him how he would have felt in that situation.
Teach him to calm his anxiety
Reassure your child. If a change or conflict makes him anxious, help him find a solution and get through that moment of insecurity.
Make homework time fun
During the execution of school assignments, allow him to take regular breaks. Make sure you make this period more fun and don’t see it as an obligation. He does not need to always be seated to learn. He can, for example, walk up and down or in a room in the house while memorizing his questionnaire or additions.
Reward and praise their achievements
Praise your child positively when he manages to control himself and remain calm on his own.
How does yoga help?
When yoga is practiced, it is by relaxing the body that calming the mind can be achieved. Therefore, yoga is also an interesting antidote to help calm the stress of the restless child.
The exercises and yoga postures, stretching both, as equilibrium, can deploy from home. Creating a routine before bedtime or any time of the day to achieve calm a child, channeling their energies.
A child’s anatomy is perfectly designed to be flexible, even from birth. That is why, consciously or unconsciously, children adopt, unknowingly, all the time and, quite naturally, positions similar to yoga postures. This is an advantage in carrying out a yoga routine to calm children based on simple poses.
Benefits of yoga for children
On a physical and mental level, the child can acquire many benefits. If practices postures, breathing or meditation under the concept of yoga. Thus, the child can improve the following qualities:
• Develop flexibility, strength, and balance
• Acquire motor coordination
• Develop awareness
• Gain agility
• Improve sleep
• Keep a healthy weight
• Improve concentration level
• Develop creativity and intelligence
• Reduce stress
• Improve self-confidence
• Improve clarity of mind
• Learn to be independent
• Develop your self-esteem
How does breathing practice help?
A yoga session for children can offer very gentle breathing exercises, which are fun, using. For example, a blanket or feathers on the abdomen. So, they pay attention to the movement of their internal parts while practicing the activity.
The benefit of breathing exercises in children is that they will develop useful skills and knowledge to understand their body better. Respect it and keep it healthy while learning how to channel their energies and emotions.
The breathing exercises to calm the child can be carried out preferably in the afternoon when more active is little or before bedtime.
How does meditation practice help?
The practice of meditation for children during a yoga session at home helps them be calmer. It teaches them to control anxiety and their emotions.
Of course, this practice must take into account the maturity of the child. In this sense, parents should accompany their children in meditation if they are under 8 years old. At least the first sessions, while the child learns to develop that skill.
The ideal time to practice meditation to calm children is in the morning before and after school, just before homework or before bed.