12 Ways to Manage Overly Energetic Children

By: Marina

Children with lots of energy can be difficult to deal with. This is especially true in if you take them into public places where they are expected to be well behaved and quiet. While you may avoid taking them into “quiet” places, there often comes a time when just cannot help it. The following are tips that can help you manage overly energetic children while in public places.

Realize that energy is a part of the lives of children. Children naturally have more energy than adults. Make sure that you aren’t over reacting when it comes to their energy levels.

Plan for the trip. If your children are out of control when they go into public, you will have to take matters into your own hands. Provide them with ample opportunity to get rid of their energy beforehand. Consider letting them play outside for an hour or so before you leave for the trip. Running, jumping, and playing will help get rid of some of the energy. This will help over energetic children be able to focus more and provide for a positive experience in public.

Make sure your child knows the rules. While it is okay to be full of energy, there are times when your child will need to be calm. Talk to your child. Explain to him the importance of being quiet and civilized while in public. Set guidelines for your children to follow. Make sure there are consequences for misbehavior.

Prepare things that will keep their interest while they are expected to remain quiet. To help with the energy levels, plan quiet activities for your child to take part in Activities such as crossword puzzles, coloring books, and video games can help hold your child’s interest in public places. Being prepared is key to helping your children remain calm when they need to.

Avoid caffeine. Caffeine can add to the energy levels of children causing even more problems. How much caffeine do your children drink? If they are consuming a large amount of caffeine, you have likely found your culprit to the high energy levels. Consider cutting back on the caffeine on the days you have to be in public.

Cut out the sugar. Just as caffeine can have a negative impact on energy levels, so can sugar. Candy, cookies, and cake can bring the energy levels of your children way up. Limit the amount of sugar your children have daily and watch the energy level decrease.

Teach your child manners. You can take steps to control their energy levels while they are younger, but ultimately it will be the responsibility of your children to handle their own behaviors. Teach your child the proper manners for being in public such as not talking loudly and interfering with other people.

Model the proper behaviors. How do you act in public? Are your energy levels way up when you are around other people? Beware that children will model the behavior of their parents. Be sure that you are being respectful in public. The way you act will influence your children. Make sure you are being a positive influence.

Give rewards. For the times that your children do behave in public and keep their energy level under control, be sure to praise them. Give them a reward such as a trip to McDonalds or some other small gesture that will let them know that you are proud of them.

Stay on top of the problem. If you are serious about containing your child’s energy levels, it will be a constant battle. You won’t be able to pick and choose times to keep the energy levels contained in public and allow him to act freely at others time. Be consistent with discipline and the expectations that you have for your kids.

If you are a parent with overly energetic children, you are not alone. Use the tips above to help you during those times when you need to contain the energy of your children. Discover ways to help your child and public places will be more pleasant for everyone.

Marina is SAHM and co-owner of Matryoshka Nesting Doll store.

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Comment by Malika Bourne on February 25, 2012 at 5:13am: Need some suggestions for specific areana of overactivity. When ever we take the 6 year old to a middle sshool concert, after seeing other kids running around at the first concerts our 6 yo thinks she has to be obnoxious so she gets to go twirl around in the hall way with slipery shiny floors. The extra issue is taking the now about to wakl baby out side in order to be courteous to the soloists.

I put her in time out on a floor mat. The setting is very difficult to manage. I am thinking about keeping the 2 youngest at home while my daughter views the old girls concert undisturbed. It is like an alarm goes off in the 6's head and she can't help but respond. Other places, we do have a system to get her wiggles out. But not at the middle school. Suggestions please. Malika

Comment by Malika Bourne on December 27, 2011 at 4:31pm: My favorites statements are, "Realize that energy is a part of children's lives" , "plan for the trip", "Make sure they know the rules" I think the sugar factor is important to take into account. I am wondering about the sugar hype scenario. If a child is filling up on suagary STUFF perhaps they aren't getting enough of the important nutrients them. Couldn't the lack of vitamins or minerals be the underlying cause of out of control behavior? The kids probably feel miserable. Junk food food doesn't leave anyone satisfied but craving more food.

All that said, I believe in firm and consistant parenting. Kids can really get wound up when they don't know what the plan is. They feel uncomfortable when they don't know what is expected of them. It is the parents job to make sure the child is prepared for new situations. Teaching manners as stated above is excellent.

Finally, I have found that kids with over-engergy amounts tend to be very bright /gifted. They crave imput and will do what they have to do to keep their brains stimulated.

Comment by Betty Baez on December 27, 2011 at 1:20pm: what great advice im currently dealing with two very energetic little boys and sometimes it can be alot to manage

Comment by Malika Bourne on December 26, 2011 at 9:52pm: Overly Energetic Children is a very positive way to address this challenge for those parents who have a child with high energy. Marina covered this subject so well. I wish that I had had this kind of article 35 to 40 years ago for some kind of support for my overly energetic son. We all did survive. I pass on hope to those tired parents out there. I encourage you to read this great post.

Comment by John Joseph on December 3, 2011 at 11:35am: yes sugar can cause being hyper but kids sometimes do need to play and get energy out , I think you hit the nail on the head Trasina , I have seen to many people put there kids on medication just because they have no patience for a child being a child within reason

Comment by Trasina L McGahey on November 20, 2011 at 3:16pm: I also have never noticed a difference in my childrens behavior dependant on the amount of sugar consumed. I think all kids are hyper sometimes and I pretty much go with "kids will be kids" within certain limitations of course. I think I must have gotten lucky with my kids. A friend of mine has a hyper child and I think he's a riot! Makes me laugh!

Comment by emeraldangeleyes2010 on November 20, 2011 at 12:57pm: like this list, thank you

Comment by Daiva Baum on November 19, 2011 at 2:51pm: I have not noticed my kids getting hyperactive from too much sugar, but they can get hyper in unfamiliar place or around unfamiliar people when they get tired

Comment by kmassman on November 9, 2011 at 4:49pm: I especially agree with the Prepare things that will keep their interest while they are expected to remain quiet! this helps a log and I also agree that limiting sugar is good and more healthy to boot!

Comment by Robin Blankenship on November 4, 2011 at 12:06pm: Great post

Comment by Cheryl S. Roth on October 25, 2011 at 11:40am: I know so many people who don't believe that sugar makes kids hyperactive. I only wish it made me hyperactive, I could use a little child-like energy. great post!