Hyperactive kids, and especially those medically diagnosed as having ADD or ADHD, sometimes struggle to form friendships with their peers due to aggression, inattention, and emotional highs and lows. But parents and caregivers can take positive steps to help these youngsters socialize.
Child care providers and educators alike receive training to help identify certain personalities and preferences with kids, and parents should make sure to conference with caregivers/teachers early on if a child has ADHD or has a hyperactive personality. Why? Providing this information lets adults know to adjust peer activities and socialization skills that emphasize structure and cooperation instead of competitiveness or high-challenge games.
Hyperactive kids often experience a higher level of aggressiveness, inattention, and emotional highs and lows (leading to tantrums, breakdowns, drama, or withdrawal). Parents should talk in detail with their child's caregivers/educators about what works well with a child and encourages friendship and cooperation. This open communication will make for a happier child and a more successful classroom or playgroup overall. Details should include what type of re-direction works best and whether a youngster responds positively to coaching and intervention, or works better in a self-management environment.
Structured activities can include art and music, group organizations such as scouting, or non-competitive sports such as recreational cheerleading or tumbling. Providers can help to encourage friendships with youngsters who have the same interests (playing with Hot Wheels or dress-up stations) while teachers can sometimes opt to create a schedule that provides for centers or other high-interest learning stations.
Parents should also work with hyperactive kids by practicing appropriate social skills, encouraging ways to have their child meet a friend and how to act, and what to do when conflict arises (sharing, competition, arguing, etc.). Parents should also encourage playdates with a single friend that includes a planned activity over a designated period of time. A good resource is talking with a child's pediatrician for suggestions.
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Child care providers and educators alike receive training to help identify certain personalities and preferences with kids, and parents should make sure to conference with caregivers/teachers early on if a child has ADHD or has a hyperactive personality. Why? Providing this information lets adults know to adjust peer activities and socialization skills that emphasize structure and cooperation instead of competitiveness or high-challenge games.
Hyperactive kids often experience a higher level of aggressiveness, inattention, and emotional highs and lows (leading to tantrums, breakdowns, drama, or withdrawal). Parents should talk in detail with their child's caregivers/educators about what works well with a child and encourages friendship and cooperation. This open communication will make for a happier child and a more successful classroom or playgroup overall. Details should include what type of re-direction works best and whether a youngster responds positively to coaching and intervention, or works better in a self-management environment.
Structured activities can include art and music, group organizations such as scouting, or non-competitive sports such as recreational cheerleading or tumbling. Providers can help to encourage friendships with youngsters who have the same interests (playing with Hot Wheels or dress-up stations) while teachers can sometimes opt to create a schedule that provides for centers or other high-interest learning stations.
Parents should also work with hyperactive kids by practicing appropriate social skills, encouraging ways to have their child meet a friend and how to act, and what to do when conflict arises (sharing, competition, arguing, etc.). Parents should also encourage playdates with a single friend that includes a planned activity over a designated period of time. A good resource is talking with a child's pediatrician for suggestions.
