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What Strategies Help Manage Hyperactivity in Children with ADHD? 

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Successfully managing child hyperactivity starts with understanding that hyperactive behaviour is not intentional misbehaviour it is a symptom of ADHD that requires patience, structure, and consistent support. Parenting a hyperactive child can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, they can learn to focus, self-regulate, and succeed both at home and at school. Key strategies include clear routines, positive reinforcement, and personalised behaviour plans. 

Parenting ADHD: Why Structure Matters 

Children with ADHD benefit immensely from environments that offer predictability and clear expectations. Structured routines help reduce uncertainty, giving children a sense of control and security. This consistency is essential for building good habits, reducing impulsivity, and improving focus. 

Equally important is positive reinforcement.  Instead of punishing disruptive behaviour, rewarding positive actions helps children develop confidence and stay motivated. Encouragement, praise, and small rewards for following instructions or staying on task can be powerful tools in parenting ADHD effectively. 

Top Strategies for Managing Child Hyperactivity 

Here is a breakdown of proven techniques to help manage hyperactive behaviour: 

Establish and Maintain Daily Routines 

Set clear times for waking up, meals, schoolwork, and bedtime. Use charts or visual schedules for younger children. Routines reduce unpredictability, helping children feel more in control and less prone to impulsive behaviour. 

Develop a Behaviour Plan 

Work with teachers or therapists to create a structured behaviour plan with achievable goals and consistent consequences.  This helps encourage positive behaviour and tackle challenges in a clear and manageable way.  

Use Physical Outlets for Energy 

Incorporate regular breaks and opportunities for physical activity throughout the day. Exercise helps release excess energy in a positive way and can boost both focus and mood.  

Keep Instructions Short and Clear 

Use simple language and break tasks into smaller steps. Give one instruction at a time. Children with ADHD often struggle with attention, so concise guidance helps them process and act more effectively. 

Model Calm and Patience

How you speak, behave, and respond makes a difference. Staying calm shows your child how to handle frustration, as children often mirror adult behaviour. Calm parenting helps them develop emotional control. 

For personal consultations on managing child hyperactivity, visit providers like ADHD Certify. For a deeper dive into parenting ADHD, building effective routines, and creating successful behaviour plans, read our complete guide Hyperactivity.

Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.