How to help a hyperactive child learn

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The main thing is to scold yourself and the baby less. It is not your or his fault that elementary things are sometimes difficult.

What is hyperactivity

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the scientific name for a behavioral disorder characterized by excessive mobility and disorganization.

For the time being, this does not create any particular difficulties. Problems arise in school when the child is required to focus, discipline and obey the rules. Therefore, ADHD is diagnosed by the Numbers: Facts, Statistics, and You ADHD on average at seven years old, although the first signs may appear at three years old.

How to tell if you have a hyperactive child

Only experts can distinguish ADHD from the norm. But there is a certain set of signs of 14 Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is the reason for contacting a pediatrician, neurologist or child psychiatrist.

• Self-obsession. It seems that the child does not take into account the wishes and needs of other people. He interrupts constantly, can't wait for his turn.
• Emotional instability. Overactive children are prone to sudden outbursts of anger.
• Restlessness. A student with ADHD is constantly spinning, spinning, jumping up during the lesson. It is difficult for him to play quiet games or to occupy himself with drawing.
• Inability to complete the matter. The child has many interests, but it is difficult for him to get carried away with one thing and complete what he started.
• Scattered attention. You speak directly to the baby, and he even confirms that he hears you perfectly. But it cannot repeat anything that you just said.
• Lots of ridiculous mistakes. Your student constantly skips letters, confuses minus with plus, goes beyond the red line in the notebook. And it's not that he's lazy or stupid. It is really incredibly difficult for him to adhere to instructions and rules.
• Detachment. Hyperactive doesn't mean boisterous or noisy. Sometimes such a child behaves even quieter than the others. He is less involved in the games of his peers, more often looks thoughtfully into space, plunges into his own thoughts, ignoring what is happening around.
• Disorganization. Doing your homework consistently, understanding how long it takes for a particular task, sticking to a schedule - these missions seem almost impossible.
• Forgetfulness. No, your student is not lazy. He really forgets to do the math and do the dishes. And he still does not remember when and where he lost another thing.

Any child can have similar symptoms, especially in elementary school or at the start of the school year. But if you understand that the above signs seriously inhibit the educational process, be sure to consult your doctor. And in any case, do not diagnose yourself.

What is known about the causes of hyperactivity

Symptoms of hyperactivity are often associated with gaps in parenting, a difficult family situation, an overuse of gadgets, and even poor nutrition - for example, an overabundance of candy. While all of these factors (with the exception of sweets) can actually exacerbate ADHD symptoms, they are not the root cause of the disorder.

Most often, the roots of the problem lie in the heredity of Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Now American and European scientists are working to establish the ADHD Genetic Research Study which genes are responsible for hyperactivity.

It is now known that in children diagnosed with ADHD, the brain produces less dopamine. Deficiency of this neurotransmitter leads to inattention, restless behavior, impulsivity, and other impediments to productive learning.

In short, don't blame yourself for being a bad parent. Instead, focus your efforts on supporting your child and helping him cope with difficulties.

How to make learning easier for a hyperactive child

Understanding the problem is the key to solving it. Since it is difficult for a child to organize the educational process on his own, your task is to gently control this from the outside. Here are some tips to help you channel chaotic energy into creative ways.

1. Limit distractions

Ask the teacher to have your child sit close to the teacher's table, ideally at the first desk in the middle row. At home, make sure that there are no unnecessary things on the table, loud music does not play, and the TV does not make noise.

2. Stick to the same schedule

Try to make your child's life as measured and predictable as possible. Lunch, games, lessons, walks, going to bed - everything should happen at the same time, day after day.

3. Break tasks into pieces

Children with ADHD find it difficult to hold large amounts of information in their heads and follow through on protracted projects. If possible, break up a difficult task into several stages.

4. Use timers or hourglasses

A child with suspected ADHD has trouble timing. He lives in the moment and is unable to look even half an hour ahead. A timer or hourglass will help the student feel the minutes running away.

5. Alternate tasks

In addition to crushing, it is important that the tasks are also varied. 20 minutes of math - 5 minutes of rest - 20 minutes of English - a short game or snack - and again 20 minutes of math. Such a schedule will suit a hyperactive student much better than an hour of suffering over homework in one subject.

6. Positively reinforce successes

It is important that a restless student understands that lessons are not punishment, but necessary and useful work. Do not skimp on praise and hugs if he coped with the task. Allow him to reward yourself: for example, after completing an assignment, your child can watch a cartoon or play a favorite game.

7. Do not overdo it with the load

A too busy and hectic schedule after school can further defocus your student's attention. Add new circles and sections only when you are sure that he is successfully coping with the current tasks.

8. Find the right sports section

Physical activity is essential for all children. But with ADHD, you need to understand this: hyperactivity is not an excess of energy. Your child cannot sit still, not because he has too much strength. Moving, he relieves mental stress. Likewise, many adults go to the gym after a hard day at work and "offload the brain" by pulling iron.

Conclusion: your student needs sports and outdoor games to reduce stress. But by writing it down into four sections at once, you will not eradicate ADHD. Your toddler will continue to show signs of anxiety - now along with chronic fatigue. Therefore, let it be better to do one thing on a regular basis and without overloading.

How to choose the optimal section? First of all, ask the child himself what he would like to do. As a rule, individual sports are more suitable for children with ADHD - swimming, tennis, running. Also recommended is How Sports Can Help Kids With ADHD martial arts that improve coordination and concentration, such as karate or taekwondo.

But if your kid is interested in basketball, football or hockey, do not refuse him. Team games help to establish contact with peers and feel involved in a common cause.

9. Leave the child some time for yourself - and relax yourself

Remember that children should have free time that they can spend at their own discretion: play, walk, read or even just watch something on the phone.

Yes, and don't forget your need for rest. Raising hyperactive children is not an easy job. And you are not a superhero to plow seven days a week without feeling tired. It's okay if relatives or a nanny sit with your baby. Take a break, let yourself be entertained. Satisfied and happy parents are a guarantee that the child will succeed in the end.