How to Raise a Hyperactive Child - Raising a Hyperactive Child
Many parents have heard about the problem of childhood hyperactivity, but far from everyone can imagine what it is. The term itself has become so firmly established in everyday usage that its true psychological meaning has lost its clarity and in most cases is understood incompletely or incorrectly. So what is the notorious hyperactivity, what are its manifestations and, most importantly, how to educate a hyperactive child, taking into account the peculiarities of his psyche and behavior? Consider everything in order.
Myths and Reality
Hyperactivity Correction As a rule, hyperactive people are called mobile, noisy, restless and restless children. This is only partly true. First, everything depends on the degree and regularity of the manifestation of these characteristics. It is not necessary to put every active child in the hyper-list only for the love of fast games or disobedience. All children like to run, jump, fool around, this behavior is for them the norm, not the rejection. Secondly, if we are talking about genuine hyperactivity as a psychological-neurological problem, what only a doctor can establish, excessive mobility - hyperdynamics - is not its only manifestation, but is necessarily supplemented by impulsiveness, incontinence of behavior and chronic inattention.
In the medical language, hyperactivity is indicated by the abbreviation ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A pediatrician, a neurologist or a child psychologist can make the appropriate diagnosis. At the heart of the syndrome is an imbalance between the processes of nervous excitation( markedly predominate) and inhibition( very poorly expressed), the main cause of which are violations of the CNS of the child during childbirth or during pregnancy. Significantly less often( less than 20%) ADHD is due to heredity or social factors.
Hyperactivity correction is carried out in two directions: drug treatment and psycho-pedagogical work. The latter is crucial, and in view of the fact that it almost completely falls on the shoulders of the family, parents need to know how to educate a hyperactive child, day after day, smoothing his hyper-status and revealing creativity.
Lessons of education
The main rules for the education of hyperactive children can be presented in the form of step by step instructions, observance of which, according to psychologists, will help you and your child to cope, if not with everyone, at least with most of the difficulties that arise. We will get acquainted with it more closely.
Step one: understand the features of
Features of the hyperactive child The first thing you need to learn about a mother with a child with ADHD is to understand the specifics of his physiology and psychology. Such children often have problems with blood circulation and the vestibular apparatus, which is partially helped by the active movement and change in body posture. Because of the excessive excitability of the nervous system, the child reacts instantly to any stimulus, is constantly distracted and can not concentrate on one thing. Because of problems with braking, he gives the impression of being unmanageable, if it starts and starts hooliganism, then he can not stop, and does not react at all to prohibitions and remarks.
It is important for parents to understand that a son or a daughter behaves this way not because the bad and want to do spite, but because they can not otherwise because of their natural characteristics. Cries and punishments here will not help and will serve only as another irritant, which will intensify the attack of hyperdynamics. You should gently and gradually teach your child self-control, calmly explaining each of his demands and necessarily rewarding for his performance. Be a friend and assistant, not a critic and judge.
Step Two: Set Rules
Setting Rules for the Hyperactive Child The fact that a hyperactive child is difficult to control his actions does not at all mean that he should be allowed to do everything. Such children should always observe the daily routine. Sleep, food, study, entertainment - determine the convenient time for all these activities and try not to violate the developed schedule. Naturally, we are not talking about a per-minute schedule, a general plan is sufficient, which determines the sequence and approximate duration of each type of activity.
From a child with hyperactivity one can not expect the fulfillment of a myriad of rules. Therefore, clearly prioritize and monitor compliance with the most important standards. Overlook trifles. Encourage good behavior. Argument, and do not order. Try to establish a framework of behavior, rather than give strict instructions to do so( hyper-children are not sensitive to detail).
Step three: control the energy reset
Energy release Excess energy must be disposed of somewhere. And if you do not want to regularly take offense from the table, collect scattered pillows or clothes from the closet, sweep the fragments of your favorite service - direct the flowing motor activity to the peaceful channel. Transfer to the child part of the housework, give in the sports section, or dance club, after all, get a dog that you need several times a day to walk and do her training. But at the same time dose the load and remember that excessive fatigue for children with ADHD is contraindicated, as well as lack of sleep, it weakens the already not too developed self-control and makes the child almost uncontrollable.
Step four: remove the stimuli
Calming the hyperactive child Pull the psyche of your baby. Do not let him watch television and movies for a long time, play computer games. Try to organize a living space in such a way that your son or daughter had a corner, decorate it in calm tones, removing as much distracting objects as possible. Hyperactive children are contra-indicated by noisy activities and big companies, it is better to let them communicate in a narrow circle, with one or two quiet friends.
But the most important answer, how to educate a hyperactive child is your love, patience and support. If you believe in a small person whose development is responsible, and perceive hyperactivity as a pedagogical challenge, rather than a sentence, you will certainly achieve success.