Why is My Child Hyperactive?

 Parents with hyperactive children oftentimes deal with many problems and concerns in dealing with their children. It is very important for parents to gain significant knowledge and understanding with regards to their children’s condition to avoid anxiety, stress and help build a stronger parent-child relationship. A hyperactive child usually has difficulty focusing, following instructions, shifts from one activity to another, loses interest and attention easily, and may sometimes exhibit destructive and disruptive behaviors.

Although all children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) suffer from hyperactivity, not all hyperactive children have ADHD. Hyperactivity is more of a result of several factors which will eventually fade as the child grows. It is important for parents to identify whether their children is hyperactive in order for them to be able to address the needs of their hyperactive children.

A child who is hyperactive also exhibits impulsivity, inattention, difficulty in performing and accomplishing tasks, increase irritability and distractibility, restlessness, difficulty in staying quietly at one place, and sometimes aggressiveness. It is therefore important for family members to gain significant understanding with regards to the occurrence of this disease, for them to be able to provide the necessary management for the condition of their children.

Some possible causes of hyperactivity have been identified by experts. Medical interventions are usually not indicated in cases of hyperactive children compared to other behavioral problems common in children such as ADHD. However, when more serious underlying conditions are suspected, it is strongly recommended to seek medical help immediately. This will prevent the condition from worsening and complications from arising.

The usual causes of hyperactivity include boredom, food sensitivities, excessive amount of glucose in the bloodstream and hyperthyroidism. More serious conditions which are thought to contribute to hyperactivity are nervous system dysfunction, brain disorders, toxicity and mental disorders. Sometimes, hyperactivity is just a normal part of the growth and development of children especially during the transition from their childhood to adolescence.

Nervousness, stress and poor parent-child relationship are also seen as factors for hyperactivity. It is important for the child to have a genuine relationship with each of the family members most especially, with parents. Other environmental factors may also affect the development of the child such as extreme poverty, stressful life events, chaotic nature of the weather, economic problems, dangerous and unhealthy living conditions.

Several studies also show that hyperactivity does have a familial tendency. Children who are hyperactive are oftentimes seen to have close relatives who are also experiencing the same characteristics and behaviors. However, in most cases hyperactivity is simply a phase of their childhood lives. Therefore, parents have an important role in helping their children cope with the condition and minimizing its unwanted outcomes. This can be achieved through providing their children with affection and understanding, offering them activities that will enhance their talents and skills, and providing them healthy diet, adequate rest and exercise.