Practical exercises in case of hyperactivity

The "engine terminology" works like a sort of tachometer for one's own excitation state (see diagram). The child thus can learn that the internal engine (= excitation state) may sometimes run too high and sometimes too low. It is also important to know that different rates of revolution are necessary for different tasks or actions. For example, while a very low rate of revolution of 1 would be desirable and correct for falling asleep, it would be far too low for doing homework.

When the internal engine is once again running at full speed, "calming down tricks" agreed upon some time earlier may help your child to become calm again. The best thing to do is to test first together which tricks work well and then playfully practice them with your child like little rituals. Don't forget to always use the tachometer to clarify the excitation state! Ideas for calming-down tricks are, for example: Soft relaxing music, a dream trip, a soothing saying ("the slow horse reaches the mill", or "power comes from inner peace") or simply count down from 10 while breathing deeply.

Hyperactive children have an extremely great urge to move about. It is all the more important that they can regularly burn off energy. Merely romping around is usually counter-productive since hyperactive children can get so worked up that they cannot calm down again. Thus, sport is much better because it requires controlled movements and trains body awareness. For example, dancing, swimming or horseback riding may be suitable.