Handling Hyperactivity in toddlers

Do you wander sometimes how our little angels turn into a monster?
Do our children understand what we telling them? Or are they simply hard headed?
I'm sure parents of normal kids sometimes ask these questions.
How much more difficult do you think is the case of parents with hyperactive (ADHD) children?


We all want our children to behave well to make a positive contribution to family life. Sometimes our children can be naughty. Having a hyperactive child can be more difficult sometimes to manage some situations. Let me share with you how I manage my child’s behavior. Mostly I followed what her occupational therapist advised to us.
1.) Set a Routine.

My child and I find structure and a predictable daily routine beneficial.

It is comforting for us to know what’s next in our day, even those things we don’t like. The daily routine helps my child build independence and confidence because she knows what to expect.

2.) Set your rule.

Only parents can make the rules for our household. Explain the rule and every time our child does not follow the rule, she won't get what she wants. A lot of times the parent is allowing King Toddler to rule. That won’t do. Being a parent means being in charge.
Set the boundaries, and when she crosses them, she suffers the consequences. Rules make our child feel safe.

3.) Praise good behavior and correct or ignore bad 


Sometimes we are so busy disciplining our child and saying “no” we forget to notice when our child does something right. However, it is more important to notice good behavior than to reprimand bad. Our child feels good when they are told that they are good. Praise as soon as we see positive behavior so this encourages more. Ignore the bad, unless unsafe - with small children, making a fuss about bad behavior gives them attention, which is what they want, and they will repeat the behavior.

4.) Use of reinforcement


Reinforcing stimuli are environmental events that occur after a behavior that increase the likelihood of that behavior occurring in the future. Treats, praise, special privileges, music, toys, virtually anything can be used as reinforcement, if it serves to increase the occurrences of a particular behavior.


Any delivery of primary reinforcement should be paired with secondary reinforcement such as praise, high fives, hugs, kisses. Our target should be to eliminate the primary reinforcement. Let me explain by example:
My child loves jelly ace. I make sure she cannot get them as often as she likes. I use it as my primary reinforcement. 



Sample: 


Included in her daily activities is her 1 hour of reading and writing. I would tell my child before she starts that if she finishes her activities then she can have her jelly ace. Once she finished, I would always says very good! We do the hi-five and I give her an imaginary star.


5.) Consistency is the key

Lack of consistency means our children feel unsafe, are unsure of our expectations, and have poor cause and effect thinking. Their brains are unable to clearly understand that certain behaviors and actions have certain reliable consequences. They will have trouble relating their own behaviors and choices to corresponding consequences.

Consistency helps our child develop a sense of responsibility since they know exactly what is required of them.

If we have not been consistent with our child, it is never too late to begin. We may find it difficult when beginning to instill good habits and enforce rules. We will most likely be met with resistance that will test our patience. In the long run, however, developing consistent routines, boundaries and consequences will benefit both parent and child.

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Let me share with you our experiences and activities with my child’s:

Developmental Pediatrician; 

Occupational Therapist; 

Speech Language Pathologist or Therapist; 

SPED Teacher

Regular Education Teacher