Too Much Energy
It can be really difficult and often really stressful to parent a child who has too much energy, it can also be exhausting.
There are lots of things parents can do to help a child who has too much energy and there are supports locally and online who can help.
There are lots of things parents can do to help a child who has too much energy and there are supports locally and online who can help.
1. Look out for Early Warning Signs
These may be small but they are often there and are an indication that your child is becoming restless, moving their legs, squirming in their seats, fiddling with things on the table. These should be your warning to do something. The earlier you notice, the more opportunity to you have to do something.
2. Is the reason for the energy anxiety?
When children feel worried or anxious about something, this can lead to the urge to move more and can make their energy levels seem higher. If you think it might be anxiety, have a look at our Common Problems Anxiety page.
3. Physical Activity
Make opportunities for physical activity rather than giving the opportunity for them to roll over the floor, climb on furniture etc.
Try to structure the physical activity, this can be in the form of sports but it can also be you initiating something physical when you notice they are becoming fidgety. You might suggest a race around the garden, a bounce on the trampoline for example. Good for them and for you,
Make it a competition!!!!
Try to structure the physical activity, this can be in the form of sports but it can also be you initiating something physical when you notice they are becoming fidgety. You might suggest a race around the garden, a bounce on the trampoline for example. Good for them and for you,
Make it a competition!!!!
4. Breaks
If your child is doing a task that is making them bored and restless like homework for example. Suggest they take a planned break that allows them to go off and do something else before coming back.
This might be a drink or a snack or another activity. DON’T let a break become a distraction. Use a timer to let them know when they break will end.
This might be a drink or a snack or another activity. DON’T let a break become a distraction. Use a timer to let them know when they break will end.
5. Give them a space in the house
A space that’s theirs, doesn’t have to be big, but a place they can go to do an activity of their choice in a way that won’t distract or annoy anyone else.
6. Positive Requests rather than Negative Commands
It’s really easy with a child who has lots of energy to get annoyed and start making demands and commands with a harsh voice. This can be because you’re tired and stressed and we understand that.
To help your child though, make yourself make positive requests. Use their name to get their attention and make a positive request. “Come over here” or “come and have a look at this”.
Research shows that positive requests are much more effective and they prevent confrontation between you and your child.
Be patient, don’t lose your temper, remember your child can’t help how they are being but you can help them manage better. Count to ten if you have to, take some deep breathes. Your child doesn’t mean to upset you. Children want to be good, sometimes their body doesn’t let them.
To help your child though, make yourself make positive requests. Use their name to get their attention and make a positive request. “Come over here” or “come and have a look at this”.
Research shows that positive requests are much more effective and they prevent confrontation between you and your child.
Be patient, don’t lose your temper, remember your child can’t help how they are being but you can help them manage better. Count to ten if you have to, take some deep breathes. Your child doesn’t mean to upset you. Children want to be good, sometimes their body doesn’t let them.
7. Three threes
Encourage your child to take a breath for a count of three, hold for 3 and breathe out for 3.
8. Sleep
A sleep routine is really important. All children (and parents) need a good nights sleep.
Avoid anything 1 hour before bedtime that disrupts your child’s natural melatonin. Avoid anything with a lot of light; no computers, tablets or phones. They keep your child occupied but they keep them awake. Create a bedtime routine that you do every night.
Have a look at our Common Concerns, Sleep page for more information.
Avoid anything 1 hour before bedtime that disrupts your child’s natural melatonin. Avoid anything with a lot of light; no computers, tablets or phones. They keep your child occupied but they keep them awake. Create a bedtime routine that you do every night.
Have a look at our Common Concerns, Sleep page for more information.
What can I do next?
Have you looked at the relevant information and advice on our webpage?
Have you tried the self-help options above consistently without any significant change or improvement?
Have you accessed support from the suggested Apps, websites and organisations listed on our resources page?
Have you discussed your concerns and had support from school, school nurse, GP, parenting support group?
If you have, it might be time to speak to someone about a possible referral to CAMHS.
Have you tried the self-help options above consistently without any significant change or improvement?
Have you accessed support from the suggested Apps, websites and organisations listed on our resources page?
Have you discussed your concerns and had support from school, school nurse, GP, parenting support group?
If you have, it might be time to speak to someone about a possible referral to CAMHS.
