Simple Strategies to Manage Hyperactivity at Home: Support for Parents
When Every Day Feels Like a Marathon
If you’re parenting a hyperactive child between the ages of 6 and 12, you probably know what it feels like to run out of energy before lunch. The constant movement, the impulsive behavior, the endless talking — it can be exhausting. You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed. But there are small, intentional strategies that can bring more calm and connection into your home—without expecting your child to simply “settle down.”
Start by Understanding, Not Fixing
Hyperactivity isn't something your child does on purpose. It's not bad behavior. It's a form of nervous system dysregulation — their brain is simply more active and more reactive. Recognizing this is the first step toward compassion-based parenting. Your child isn't acting out; they're expressing a need, albeit often unconventionally.
Instead of trying to “fix” behavior, try to uncover what fuels it. Is your child hyper after school? They might be unloading the stress of the day. You can read more about this after-school restlessness in this article that offers a deeper look at decompressing routines.
Routines That Leave Room for Wiggle
Structure helps hyperactive kids feel secure, but it needs to be flexible — like a path, not a prison. Build routines around predictability, not rigidity. For example, instead of ordering "homework, then dinner, then bed," try blocks of time with a mix of activity and rest: "movement time, brain time, connection time." Give transitions lots of cues. A five-minute warning, a visual timer, or a simple countdown song can all help prepare the brain to switch gears.
In fact, the right evening routine can prevent many battles before they begin. The key is connection before correction: gain their trust and attention before offering direction.
Movement Is Not the Enemy
One common mistake is trying to completely suppress movement. For a hyperactive child, that’s like asking them to hold their breath. Instead, look for ways to integrate movement into everyday life that doesn’t feel like punishment. Let them bounce on a mini trampoline during a reading session, stand while doing math, or walk laps in the hallway when practicing spelling. Even chewing gum or using a fidget can help regulate focus — not distract from it.
Outside of homework time, channel this energy into calming movement activities: yoga, slow scooter rides, or dancing to soft music. You’ll find a variety of soothing activity ideas here that work beautifully for kids in this age range.
Replacing Noise with Nurture
Hyperactivity often spikes in overstimulating environments. Loud screens, rushed transitions, too much clutter — they all feed the chaos. One powerful way to help your child reset is through quiet auditory experiences. Audiobooks and calming stories give children a focus point for their imagination and help regulate emotions through predictable, engaging narratives.
The LISN Kids app on iOS and Android offers original audiobooks and immersive audio series created especially for kids aged 3 to 12. It can be a helpful tool during winding down routines or quiet time before bed. Listening to a story can occupy a restless brain while calming the body — an approach that avoids confrontation and supports self-regulation.
Empower Your Child With Ownership
Kids often respond better when they feel in control — even just a little. Offering them limited choices like “Do you want to do your reading on the couch or the chair?” or “Do you want your quiet time after snack or after homework?” gives them a sense of agency. For hyperactive children who often feel out of sync with their environment, even these small decisions can be regulating.
Visual schedules also work wonders. They shift responsibility from parent to process. Instead of repeating the same request multiple times, you can guide your child gently back to the plan: “What’s next on your chart?” Repeating this teaches independence while reducing conflict.
Reframe Hyperactivity as Potential
Finally, it’s important to remember that hyperactivity isn’t just a challenge — it’s also a trait. These are energetic kids who feel deeply, think quickly, and experience the world intensely. That zest can be channeled into creativity, leadership, humor, and innovation when nurtured well.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this ADHD or just a phase?” you’re not alone — and either way, your child deserves support without shame. Meeting them with empathy, tools, and a bit of trial-and-error is part of the journey.
And yes, there will be hard days. But when you stop chasing the idea of a perfectly calm child — and instead welcome the child you have, as they are — things begin to shift. Not overnight. But over time.
If evenings are especially tough, you might also find hope and insight in this related resource on calming your child before bedtime.
What Matters Most
In the end, it’s not about eliminating hyperactivity. It’s about helping your child feel seen, safe, and supported. With understanding, flexibility, and a few creative tools, your home can feel just a little less chaotic and a lot more connected.