Hyperactivity in Children: Tips and Games for Parents

Many parents have experienced the moment when their toddler runs around the house non-stop, tapping on furniture and screaming, then lies down and waves their arms, not hearing what you are trying to say.

Your first reaction in such situations should be to redirect the attention of the toddler.

You can use some small tricks to accomplish this. You can look out of the window and say enthusiastically, "Look, look! A bird!". Or, 'Oh! A fire truck drove up to our front door. I guess something happened.'

You might come up with rituals that can divert the toddler’s attention. You can, for example, suddenly turn on the hairdryer in order to "dry their tears", or take a vacuum cleaner and "clean" them from their whims.

Sometimes, it's enough to just hug your child and offer them to play an interesting game.

What kind of games are appropriate in this situation?

Use these calming games ideas, and they will not only have an immediate impact on your toddler, but will also teach them how to manage their emotions. Parents must be patient and not lose their temper because a toddler subconsciously copies their parents' behavior and mirrors their state.

1. "Storm at Sea - Calm in The Port". When the parent says, “Storm at sea”, their child should wave their arms and make noises imitating rough sea. When the parent says, "calm at the port", their toddler's movements become smooth and quiet. They may sit in an armchair or lie down on the floor.
2. Give your kid an hourglass and tell them to watch as the sand pours. Begin with a one-minute hourglass, then increase the time to 5 minutes. You can also listen to some calm music at the same time.
3. "Tiger on the Hunt”. Covered with a blanket, you and your toddler hide behind a couch and "wait in the ambush" for some time. You then leap and "catch", another person.
   
   
4. "Day-Night".  When you say "day”, the toddler will jump and play. When you say "night", the toddler will pretend to be asleep. Or tell the toddler to imagine they are a mouse and allow them to play and run. When you say, “The cat's coming!”, the toddler freezes like a statue.
5. "Magic Remote Control". Draw a remote control or take an old one you aren’t using anymore. Then, press a button and say, “Activate the slowdown mode” or “Turn down the sound”. It is important to discuss all commands in advance. You can initially give the “remote” to the toddler and demonstrate how you follow the instructions.
6. "Diver at the Sea Bottom". Put a swimming mask on your toddler to enhance the experience of "working as a diver". Tell them to inhale and then exhale through a tube into a water-filled container.   Then, the toddler goes to the “sea bottom” (the carpet) and collects "sunken treasures" (soft toys you prepared beforehand). Make sure you properly instruct them on inhalation and exhalation!
7. "Blind Artist". Tell your toddler a story about Keith Salmon, a blind artist born in 1959. First, ask your child to blindfold you, then try drawing something with your eyes closed. For example, draw the sun with its rays or a house with windows. In the process, comment on what you are drawing. You should ask your kid to give you instructions like “now draw the roof of the house, the door”, etc. You can laugh with your toddler if something goes wrong. Next blindfold the toddler and give them a pencil. Then ask them to draw the same things. As the toddler draws, they should also comment on it. 
8. "Louder-Quieter". You say a word, and the kid should say it louder. As a next step, ask them to repeat the word quieter than you.
9. "Captain & Ship". The captain commands “straight“, “left” or "right", while the ship must follow these orders. You can set a goal, such as to swim to the hallway or bedroom to get the cargo (treats, for example), and place different obstacles (such as soft toys) on the ship’s way to represent other ships or islands.
10. A magnetic board is a great way to keep the toddler's attention. Allow them to create the patterns they desire without any help or sample. Let them express their creativity.
    
    
11. If your toddler is running around, stand in their way or grab them. To free themselves, they will have to answer a question which requires concentration. For example, how may windows there are in the room or how many toys there are on the chair. 
12. Put 4-5 spoons of grain into a sock and sew the sock. The toddler should try to hold the sock on their head and not let it fall while jumping, running and messing around. If the bag doesn't fall before the timer goes off (from one to five minutes, depending on their age), they will get a reward.
13. Tell your kid to repeat all your actions and all the words you say. Start by making swift, sharp movements and shouting loudly. Gradually, your movements should become smoother and the voice quieter. Finally, try to stay motionless and whisper.

It is important to make sure that your toddler understands that you are upset by their disobedience. Let them know that you love and care about them no matter what. You can find more learning activities on the Kids Academy learning site for kids.