Young children are usually very active by nature, but some children are much more active than the rest. While some children get tired and eventually stop, some of them just don’t stop moving or fidgeting.
They are constantly doing something despite being asked to stop. These children are more than active and hence the term “hyperactive”. Hyperactivity can be defined as being constantly active in ways, which might not seem normal as per the situation or timing.
Despite having a busy day, they are still active at the end of the day and not tired at all. It’s not normal. Hyperactivity can take up many forms like:
• Constantly running or jumping around
• Talking continuously
• Moving from one place to the other
• Restlessness
• Fidgeting
• Constantly moving when indoors
• Having trouble sitting still at a place
• The urge to always keep moving
• Compulsive behaviour
• Gets easily distracted
• The span of concentration is less
Hyperactivity shouldn’t be confused with being indiscipline or defiant. There are many reasons why your child might be hyperactive. It’s a preconceived notion that your child might be hyperactive due to ADHD but there can be some other reasons as well.
Stress:
When an individual is stressed, they tend to not know what to do and hence end up doing multiple things at a single time. It’s a similar situation with kids as well. Moreover, they don’t know how to manage their stress.
Stress can be anything from a change in their schedule or starting a new activity or the birth of a new sibling. It might seem small to you but can bring upon stress on them. Children are known to be stressed when their parents are stressed out as well.
Sleep:
Lack of sleep is also a reason for hyperactivity in children. Usually, elders get tired, but it happens the opposite with children. They tend to become more active due to disturbed sleep patterns and lack of sleep.
They get a sudden adrenaline rush and seem more energetic than before. Make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep and doesn’t skip bedtime.
Exercise:
Children should have enough time to exercise and play around. Lack of exercise might result in having built up energy which is waiting to be released.
They are supposed to be active and energetic and without physical activity, they tend to be restless and cannot sit still for a while. Encourage your child to go play outside and exercise more. It also gets your child tired which helps them to sleep.
Mental health:
Sometimes mental and emotional problems also tend to make your child abnormally active. One of the major reasons can be anxiety. When children are anxious they tend to do activities to keep their mind off things.
Sometimes a scary event or traumatizing event might take a toll on their mind resulting in them being hyperactive.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Last but not the least the most common reason behind hyperactivity in children is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder, which appears in early childhood. It usually happens before the age of seven.
And the common signs are impulsivity and hyperactivity. Children lack focus, concentration and attention. In case you find the above-mentioned signs more than normally found in young and energetic children don’t hesitate in contacting your paediatrician as your child might have ADHD.
Children are usually active and energetic. But if you find them abnormally active then it’s time to consult your paediatrician to find a solution to it.
Summary:
• Young kids are usually very active by nature, but some children are much more active than the rest.
• While some children get tired and eventually stop, some of them just don’t stop moving or fidgeting. This can be termed as “hyperactivity”.
• Hyperactivity can take up many forms like impulsivity, inattention, lack of concentration etc.
• It’s a preconceived notion that your child might be hyperactive due to ADHD but there can be some other reasons as well.
