I want to clarify right away that we will not just talk about “nimble” children, but about those for whom hyperactivity is indeed a medical problem, a diagnosis established by a doctor.

It is now believed that the basis of hyperactivity is the so-called minimal brain dysfunction.

Among the main manifestations of hyperactivity are usually impulsiveness, increased motor activity, which is often also accompanied by a deficit in the development of attention.

Such a child can move, run and jump almost non-stop; sitting in one place is an impossible task for him. It is difficult for a hyperactive child to focus his attention on something, he often cannot complete the work he has begun, it is difficult for him to follow any rules, carry out tasks and instructions. Such a child experiences great difficulties with self-control, with self-organization, is often distracted, interferes with other children.

One of the problems is that this phenomenon is surrounded by a large number of myths that make it difficult to properly help such a child to better adapt to the world around him.

For example, there is often an opinion that the main thing for a hyperactive child is to “lose excess energy.” Therefore, sometimes it seems that the best option for solving problems is to send the child to the sports section. Unfortunately, sometimes such recommendations can be heard even from professional teachers.

I write here “unfortunately” is not accidental. In fact, the relationship between sports and hyperactivity is not always cloudless, and sports in this case is not a panacea at all.

Much here will depend on the personality of the coach. If he does not understand the peculiarities of the child’s condition, behaves harshly and authoritatively, if the child constantly receives comments and punishments, his hyperactivity will only increase.

Also, not always a hyperactive child can adapt to team sports, because they make very high demands on concentration, communication skills with peers, the ability to follow the rules – that is, just the things that “sink” in a child with hyperactivity syndrome .

Does this mean that hyperactivity and sports are not compatible? Not at all.

Sports can really be very useful. And even at the level of brain biochemistry: for example, it has been shown that playing sports helps to increase the level of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can positively affect the attention of a hyperactive child.

It turns out that it is very important for parents to choose the right section and coach, remembering that playing sports should help the child strengthen self-esteem, often greatly shattered as a result of school difficulties, and learn to behave more effectively among other children, and not increase even more levels of anxiety and stress.

If we talk about choosing a specific choice of sport, then, of course, it is important first of all to ask the child himself about his desires and preferences, and you can also look at a kind of “hit parade” compiled by sports psychologists who specialize in the problem.

Swimming

Swimming gives the child the opportunity to receive the individual attention of the coach, which is very important, at the same time he is part of the team. In swimming, the child focuses on his own development, trying to improve his performance, he learns to be focused and disciplined.

Oriental martial arts

They develop self-control, discipline and respect – just the qualities that a hyperactive child often lacks. When learning the elements of sports technique, children usually follow the step-by-step instructions of the coach, which does not provide opportunities for distraction. Also, there are usually rituals in training, which can help the child learn, accept and form rituals and, in a good sense of the word, a routine when performing actions in other areas of his life.

Tennis

Tennis can be a very good option for individual children. The high speed of the game keeps them focused, and hitting the ball can help express the anger and annoyance that has accumulated throughout the day.

Gymnastics

When doing gymnastics, you need to be very conscious and attentive to the movements of your own body, which is the most important skill for a hyperactive child; this sport teaches him to maintain balance and develops spatial perception.