My Child Is Hyperactive: ADHD or Just Boundless Energy?

Your child can't sit still, doesn't listen, acts out in class? Discover how to distinguish ADHD from simple high energy and how to help.

An energetic child running in a playground

"He Can't Sit Still!"

Do you recognize this scene? Your child runs everywhere, climbs on furniture, constantly interrupts, seems unable to sit for more than two minutes. At school, the teacher says he "disrupts the class," "can't focus," "acts up."

You wonder: Is this normal? Is it ADHD? Am I a bad parent?

Take a breath. You're not alone, and most importantly, it's not your fault.

ADHD by the Numbers

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder affects about 5-7% of children. It's one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. And no, it's not about parenting.

Hyperactivity vs ADHD: What's the Difference?

All children have energy. That's healthy. So how do you know if it's "just" high energy or a real disorder?

A child struggling to concentrate in class

Signs of Normal Energy

Restlessness in situations boring to them
Can focus on things they truly enjoy
Behavior improves with age
Responds to rules and limits
Can have calm moments

Signs Suggesting ADHD

Constant restlessness, even in enjoyable activities
Concentration difficulties in all contexts
Marked impulsivity (speaks before thinking, interrupts)
Doesn't learn from consequences
Symptoms present before age 12
Significant impact at school AND home

Avoid Hasty Conclusions

Only a professional (child psychiatrist, neuropsychologist) can diagnose ADHD. Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and significantly impact the child's life.

The 3 Types of ADHD

ADHD doesn't manifest the same way in all children:

Inattentive

Dreamy, distracted, forgets everything

Hyperactive

Restless, impulsive, talks too much

Combined

Combines both types

The inattentive type is often underdiagnosed, especially in girls, because it doesn't disrupt class. The child "daydreams," is "in the clouds," but ADHD isn't considered.

What Your Child Actually Experiences

It's crucial to understand that your child isn't doing it on purpose. Their brain works differently:

A child with ADHD doesn't have a willpower problem, but a regulation problem. They know what they should do, but their brain doesn't let them do it at the right moment.

What They Often Feel

Frustration: "I can't control myself"
Confusion: "Why am I always getting in trouble?"
Shame: "I'm stupid, I disappoint everyone"
Exhaustion: Yes, hyperactivity tires the child too

Self-Esteem at Risk

Children with ADHD receive on average 20,000 more negative messages than other children before age 12. Protecting their self-esteem is as important as managing symptoms.

When to Seek Help

Consult if:

School raises concerns

Repeated comments about behavior, learning difficulties despite normal intelligence.

Family life is impacted

Constant conflicts, parental exhaustion, siblings suffering from the situation.

Your child is suffering

They feel different, rejected, misunderstood. They say they're "stupid" or "bad."

Classic strategies don't work

Punishments, rewards, explanations... nothing seems to work long-term.

The Diagnostic Path

Step	Professional	Objective
1	Primary care doctor	Referral and ruling out other causes
2	Child psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician	Complete clinical evaluation
3	Neuropsychologist	Cognitive and attention tests
4	Other specialists (if needed)	Evaluation of associated conditions

Wait Times

Wait times to see a specialist can be long. Ask your doctor for a detailed letter to expedite the process, or consider private practice if possible.

How to Help Your Child Daily

Organization tools for a hyperactive child

Even before (or without) diagnosis, these strategies can help:

1. Structure the Environment

Visual routines: Posted schedule, pictograms
Clean workspace: Organized desk, few distractions
Short instructions: One instruction at a time
Visual timer: To make time passing concrete

2. Adapt Communication

The 3 C's Rule

Concise: Simple and direct sentences Clear: Avoid double meanings Concrete: "Put your 3 cars in the blue box" rather than "Clean your room"

3. Manage Impulsivity

Teach them to count to 3 before speaking
Create a secret signal between you (gesture, code word)
Plan regular movement breaks
Praise every small effort at control

4. Channel Energy

Sports

Daily physical activity

Creativity

Art, music, building

Nature

Outdoor outings

Games

Activities that channel

Mistakes to Avoid

What Makes Things Worse

Yelling: Increases agitation and anxiety
Systematic punishment: The child can't control their behavior
Comparing: "Look at your sister, she can stay calm"
Humiliating: Especially in public, in front of friends
Overprotecting: The child needs to learn, not be sheltered

Treatment: Medication or Not?

This is THE question that worries parents. Here's a balanced view:

Non-Medication Options

Psychoeducation: Understanding the disorder to manage it better
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Learning strategies
Parent guidance: Training parents in adapted techniques
School accommodations: IEP, 504 plans, aide if needed
Rehabilitation: Speech therapy, occupational therapy as needed

Medications (Ritalin, Concerta, etc.)

Are not a miracle solution or a "drug"
Are effective in 70-80% of children with ADHD
Don't change the child's personality
Should be accompanied by other interventions
Are a medical decision to discuss with the specialist

Refusing treatment on principle or being afraid of it is understandable. But a suffering child deserves exploring all options, including medication.

School: How to Collaborate?

Inform the teacher

Explain the disorder without apologizing. Offer resources.

Request accommodations

Seat near the desk, written instructions, extra time, allowed breaks.

Set up a plan

Formalize accommodations through proper channels (IEP/504).

Stay in regular contact

Communication log, emails, regular meetings to adjust.

The Most Important Message

Your child isn't "difficult." They have difficulties. That's not the same thing.

ADHD isn't inevitable. With proper support, these children can:

Succeed in school
Have friends
Develop their talents (often many!)
Lead fulfilling lives

ADHD Strengths

Children with ADHD are often creative, enthusiastic, spontaneous, original thinkers, and capable of hyper-focus on their passions. These "superpowers" deserve to be valued!

You haven't failed as a parent. You're looking for solutions for your child. That's exactly what a good parent does.