| There are few things more emotional draining, | | | | important. Begin with an herbal bath of lavender, black |
| exhausting, or agonizing, as living with a child who is | | | | cohosh, valerian, and hops. |
| hyperactive. Tantrums, outbursts, constant activity, and | | | | Once tucked in bed, a bedtime story, followed by a |
| never knowing what to expect, all take a toll on | | | | short back rub, and soothing music, will soon have him |
| parents and care givers. Helping a hyperactive child | | | | sleeping soundly. |
| takes patience, consistency, and most of all lots of | | | | 3. Keep anger under control: When helping a |
| love. | | | | hyperactive child, emotions will often be pushed to the |
| Helping a hyperactive child: | | | | limit. Letting them see your anger will only increase their |
| 1. Consistency is key: Where you are a parent or | | | | activity and agitation. Walk away if you must to calm |
| teacher of a hyperactive child, there must be | | | | down. Once you have calmed down, return to the child. |
| consistency for consequences. First, the child must | | | | 4. Other helpful additions: Some other ways for helping |
| know the expectations and consequences for not | | | | the hyperactive child, is to provide a place for quiet |
| following those rules and expectations. | | | | activities. Going for a walk or some other form of |
| When the child fails to follow expectations, | | | | exercise will release excess energy. |
| consequences must be immediate, and age | | | | Massage and deep breathing are also ways of |
| appropriate. A good rule of thumb is one minute of | | | | relaxing the child. Having a close friend or loved one |
| time out for each year of age. | | | | who is willing to step in when you need a much |
| 2. Keep a structured environment: When providing help | | | | needed break is a benefit for both you and your child. |
| for the hyperactive child, maintaining a structured | | | | When seeking help for the hyperactive child, don't |
| environment is essential. | | | | overlook the benefits of herbal and homeopathic |
| Hyperactive children must be on a strict routine and | | | | remedies. Many herbs such as lavender, valerian, |
| they always need to know what to expect. For | | | | chamomile, kava leaves, lemon bark, marjoram, and |
| example, they need to know that every morning after | | | | hops, provide calming effects. |
| breakfast they will brush their teeth and make their | | | | These herbs can be used in a variety of ways |
| bed. | | | | including teas, or given as a supplement, or added to a |
| Because bedtime is especially challenging for | | | | warm bath. These herbs provide safe and calming |
| hyperactive children, having a set bedtime ritual is | | | | effects that can aid in helping a hyperactive child. |