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“Kids are crazy.”

Perhaps the understatement of the year, right? This is especially true for new parents who may not necessarily know what they’re getting into when it comes to childcare.

That being said, hyperactivity and childhood ADHD represent serious problems for parents struggling to figure out how to help their children settle down. For especially small children (think: less than six years old), however, it’s often difficult to differentiate between an overactive child and one with an actual hyperactivity disorder.

Whether you’re facing constant temper tantrums or a traditional case of your child “bouncing off the walls,” there are actionable steps you can take as a parent prior to any sort of traditional medical treatment. Each of the following is fair game for any parent looking to calm their kids down regardless of age or severity of their symptoms.

Sounder Sleep

Poor sleep quality is often the culprit when it comes to kids who simply can’t calm down. Bear in mind that a rough night’s sleep can result in tantrums and meltdowns the next day. If your child gets stuck in a cycle of little-to-no sleep at night, you may find that they also get stuck in a loop of never feeling settled.

The solution, therefore, is to ensure that your child gets as much rest as possible during nighttime. You don’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel in regard to your child’s sleeping space, but instead, make small changes and investments such as…

Noise-canceling solutions: from investing in high quality earplugs, a white noise machine or blackout blinds, you need to ensure that your child’s sleep is completely uninterrupted
A straightforward, regular bedtime routine: if your child isn’t consistent in terms of preparing to go bed at a specific time, chances are they aren’t resting properly
A cleaner, more comfortable bedroom: you may not need to replace your child’s bed entirely, but a well-organized, calm space can go a long way to making your child feel more secure as they slumber

More Playtime Opportunities

Children with pent up energy tend to act out, plain and simple. Therefore, you should strive to everything in your power to give your child opportunities to get up and play. To avoid your child bouncing off the walls, they need to let their energy go in a controlled manner rather than in a frenzy.

Even the simplest changes in your daily routines can help get your child moving and ultimately help them wind down. For starters, you could have your child help you with household activities such as chores as means of keeping them active and productive simultaneously. Additionally, you should regularly allow your child opportunities to go outside: this could mean more trips to the park or playtime in the backyard

Dietary Changes

Avoiding too much sugar for your child seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? That being said, there are healthy foods that may help in regard to your child’s hyperactivity. Such foods include vegetables, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruit.

In short, strive to avoid processed foods and high fructose corn syrup. Even the smallest of dietary changes could have a big impact on your child’s mood and energy levels.

Parents should strive to nurture the needs of hyperactive children by ensuring they get proper rest, enough exercise and have a healthy diet. Adhering to the aforementioned tips doesn’t have to be a headache: instead, see it as an opportunity to grow closer to your child and provide them with a better quality of life for the long-term as they grow.