Strategies for Calming Hyperactive Child

[kondasa]

My daughter is not all that hyperactive even though she has ADHD-- her issues are related to other areas. In the morning we stand at the bus stop for 10 minutes or so with three other girls her age and it is obvious that she is different, which seems to increase her/my anxiety and in turn increases her hyperactivity. It is like she can't help it. Parents are unkind and it is noticeable that other girls in the neighborhood are not encouraged to hang out with her because when I tell her to calm down she just doesn't listen and it looks like she doesn't respect authority.

Unfortunately her medication doesn't kick in for another 30 minutes.

What strategies do you recommend for those short 10 minutes to keep her from running, twirling, jumping, singing, excessively talking etc? Hoping for something discrete. Thoughts?

[hopeforall]

You are describing MY daughter! What works for her is to draw/sketch...so I let her bring a sketch book and art supplies (like cool colored pencils). Her attention is then on the coloring rather than on the other kids.

[Nlmom]

Yes also discribing my son! Trying giving meds 30 mins earlier. Also dont be afraid to let her be herself. Dance with her! Ive decided recently that "i need to not let what i think others think of us" dictate my actions. If that make sense. It srill a work in progress. But i noticed personally im better at being Nolans mom when im not worried about what others think of us. Its hard though. Good luck!

[Becky66 in reply to Nlmom]

I agree with the dancing and interacting with her in front of the other children, this will help them see how your daughter can interact and sometimes that's all they need, because as you stated, they are sometimes not taught/encouraged and simply don't know how to interact. I pray it gets better soon

[Kiandra in reply to Nlmom]

I was going to say the same thing. If you able you guys can race to the bus stop. Ask her what kind of things can her and mommy do together. These kids are so special. What if they couldn't move at all and was confined to a wheelchair? Sing songs play hand games. Just have fun with her. Let her bring a jump rope and you guys take turns to see who can jump the longest. Take care

[Becky66]

Can you not give her meds 30 minutes earlier or will that cause them to lose effect before she returns from school?

[kondasa in reply to Becky66]

It was recommended to give it to her with her breakfast because of nausea. Also, giving it to her earlier was creating a "crash effect" right after school during her activities. Giving it later allows the crash to happen when she is at home.

[Kiandra in reply to kondasa]

Do you mean she gets sleepy?

[Cjkchamp]

Occupational therapy is pretty good with helping with ideas. Things recommended to me we’re to let my kid jump a lot and say when we get to xyz now you can stand still next to me. They recommended having the child push or pull something heavy or even carrying a heavy backpack. They tend to like outside pressure to help calm their anxiety...

[writingforjoy]

Singing songs with her may help her stay in her place and have fun at the same time.

The others may join in as well.

Perhaps a baton, yo-yo, hula hoop or similar standing activity. Waiting for the stop a bit away from the group. You can allow her to be active at a distance and she can practice only at the stop. Only give it to her there to keep her interest, and take it with you when she loads the bus.

Perhaps she would like sidewalk chalk or bubbles?

This is a chance to enjoy your daughter and all her uniqueness. Teaching her not to be too hyper-aware of what others think of her. Yes, you want her respectful, but you are finding the stress of it all is making it harder for you. Maybe just have some fun.

Best wishes!

[ZosMom]

That’s a tough one! My son has a “squishy” - a stress ball that he can quietly play with while not distracting others. Would listening to calming music in headphones help? A game you can play together like “I Spy?”

[Janice_H]

Administer the meds 30 minutes earlier. She will not lose her appetite that quickly. Perhaps give it to her when she wakes up.

[Kiandra]

Just give her her meds earlier. I have 3 kids that have adhd and I have learned that it's better for everyone around them to be on their meds bright and early. I fix them a hearty breakfast and give them their pill. So bout time they do get around their peers they are in controll of themselves. It's not fair to your child at all. I had to start giving my kids there meds on weekends because it was to much. I couldn't handle the energy and i felt horrible it seemed like i just yelled all day. So please give it to her earlier so she can be viewed as a normal kid. Take care

[Kiandra]

Take a jump rope. Sing jump rope songs. See who can jump the longest take care

[urghh]

TBH, all the kids at my daughter's bus stop are running and twirling and yelling for those 10 minutes. They usually play tag. It seems to me that it's not your daughter that's the problem. Maybe the other parents should let go a bit and let their kids get some energy out before school! I'd run and twirl with your girl and dare them to tell me to calm down!

[kondasa]

Thanks for the advice. Something has been working the last few days. I have been giving her a squishy and that has really helped. I have also been giving her tablet time based on her listening ears. If she listens to what I have to say she can have her tablet for 30 minutes after school. That positive incentive seems to work better then me saying "if you don't behave you lose your tablet." Thus far... so far so good.