Hyperactivity In Toddlers

These little terrors are easily recognizable. You must have seen them, perhaps met them, crying their guts out with no signs of abatement. And the parents confused, not knowing what to do, showing all the signs of joining in with their kids. Some are even more violent and tend to hit, slap, and pull the hairs of their handlers. Hitting them back only aggravates the matter. What is required is a thorough understanding. Toddlers tend to be very active and so handling them can be quite a task. It is unnatural for a child to sit down. However, over activity or restlessness should not be taken as the signs of a healthy child. Excessive crying or throwing tantrums are the signs that the toddler is hyperactive. Normally hyperactive children are more than just curious and like to explore new domains and in the process are at a high risk of danger. So, they must be under constant watch. In the article given below are tips to make you understand hyperactivity in toddlers.

Toddlers With Hyperactivity

Symptoms

Perhaps the first signs of hyperactivity in toddlers are the sleeping and eating disorders. They are reluctant to eat anything and throw tantrums if they are forced to feed anything. They have trouble sleeping at the regular time and tend to wake up frequently from their sleep.
They do not stay calm. They are fidgety throughout the day. Normally toddlers are always active but if they show signs of restlessness for a considerable period of time, then it can safely be said that the toddler is suffering from hyperactivity.
They cry and run around a lot. Hyperactive toddlers throw away things and tend to hit their holders. They even throw unnecessary tantrums.
Lack of attention. Toddlers anyways have low attention span but because of hyperactivity, the inattention is even more pronounced. They easily get distracted.
Toddlers become very impulsive. They are impatient and are very slow in their responses.

Causes

Heredity is also a cause of hyperactivity in toddlers. Studies have shown that there is a 25% more chance of hyperactivity in toddlers, if there is any immediate family member suffering from it. Specific genes have also been identified which trigger the hyperactivity in toddlers.
Drinking alcohol and smoking during pregnancy can induce hyperactivity in toddlers.
Injury to the brain during the fetal stage can also lead to hyperactivity.
Too much sugar consumption can also cause hyperactivity. Food additives and artificial flavors and colors also make the toddlers hyperactive.

Control

Do not restrain the toddler but set limits, and stick to it. Do not give in to tantrums, as toddlers are very good in exploiting it.
Try to improve the attention span by reading stories and playing games with the toddlers. Always try to attract the interest of the child.
Develop daily routines. Schedule the meals, naps, and outings at particular time of the day.
Encourage the toddler to be independent in doing tasks such as clothing and feeding himself / herself. You can also leave the child in the company of other toddlers so that he or she may also get involved.
Regulate the diet and avoid sugar based ones. Cut down on sweets and candies. Find out what type of food suits the toddler and then continue on it.
Consult a pediatrician to make sure that he does not have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

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