Sitting on an exercise ball instead of a chair allows a child with ADHD to move around and still be seated.

Angela Verges | Contributor

Have you ever tried to place a square peg in a round hole? Nearly impossible.

If you are raising a child with ADHD or have worked with one, you have probably discovered many challenges. You learn to think outside the box when seeking solutions for handling your child’s extra energy. Would you like to see that child channel his energy more appropriately in the classroom and at home?

An online article from ADDitude magazine had the following to say about children with ADHD: “…many of the symptoms of ADHD put our children at a disadvantage when it comes to having consistently good classroom behavior. One study of ADHD boys showed that they moved around the room eight times as often as other boys, making twice as many arm motions.”

The article offered way parents and teachers can help students with ADHD use their excess energy in creative ways to have successful experiences.

It is difficult for children with ADHD to sit still for long periods of time, they are in constant motion. You may see them tapping on their desk, squirming in their seat or making noises while they’re trying to sit still.

The article from ADDitude Magazine indicated that, “hyperactive children are unable to inhibit the impulse to move around. You can tell them to sit still or stop talking, but the behaviors may reappear within minutes."

The article indicated that the best thing teachers can do to help ADHD students squirm less is to provide physical outlets. Students can improve focus when they can release pent up energy.

Below are solutions for the classroom setting:

Send students on an errand - ask him to deliver a message to the office or another classroom. This task can help kids “build a sense of self-worth while providing an opportunity to stretch their legs and move around.”

Let students stand and walk around between lessons - one teacher had a mini trampoline available in her classroom for students who got restless. All students used it at first, but, after the novelty wore off, only the ADHD students used it. Another teacher let students use exercise balls instead of chairs.

Provide fidget objects - these items could include squeeze balls, worry beads, clay — anything that can be quietly squished or handled. “Not having to focus on staying absolutely still conserves the student’s energy for focusing on class lessons.”

Parents can also support their child’s need to expend energy by “encouraging him to join a sports team or engage in regular physical activity.” Other tips include the following:

Choose the sport carefully - choose a sport that doesn’t require your child to do a lot of standing around. For example, soccer would be a better choice that baseball.

Don’t force your child to sit still - let your child take a quick break from a task as needed. Tell him to run and jump around then return to the task when ready. “Some ADHD children are better able to complete homework when given an opportunity to move around while working, or when given frequent breaks.”

Do you have tips that will help a hyperactive child have experience success in the classroom or at home? Please share them in the comments.

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.