Verified by the Tequesta teaching team, based on day-to-day work with children aged 1.5–6 years.
Young children who have difficulty concentrating, display impulsivity, or show very high energy levels may need a slightly different approach in everyday situations. At TEQUESTA, we believe that individual support and appropriately tailored methods are the key to achieving balance and harmonious development for every Little One – including those with a more dynamic temperament.
What is hyperactivity?
It should not be regarded solely as a problem or an obstacle to proper development. Many children show excessive restlessness and can be impulsive, especially in their preschool years. The difference is that some little ones can calm down more easily on cue, while others need greater support in regulating their emotions. Hyperactivity often goes hand in hand with great curiosity about the world and openness to new experiences. With the right approach, a child with a more dynamic temperament can develop just as wonderfully as their calmer peers.
What are the first signs?
Difficulty concentrating
The child quickly gets bored with a given activity, sometimes even abandoning it before completion to move on to something else.
Impulsivity
The little one reacts instantly, without thinking – interrupting conversations, grabbing toys, or butting into other children's activities.
Excessive restlessness
The child is constantly on the move, unable to sit still for even a short while.
Strong emotional reactions
Joy, anger, or sadness can surface abruptly, and the child has difficulty calming down on their own.
Remember that individual symptoms don't always indicate hyperactivity. The key is observation and the intuition of the parent or guardian, as well as a possible consultation with a child psychologist if certain behaviours seem to be hindering the child's daily functioning.
Challenges and opportunities in working with a hyperactive child
At TEQUESTA, we have years of experience with children of very diverse temperaments – and we observe that those with traits of hyperactivity often show exceptional creativity and genuine enthusiasm for exploring the world around them. What they need most is not fewer stimuli, but a structure that helps them channel their energy constructively. We have found the following to be particularly important:
Clear rules and routines
A consistent daily schedule and repeated rituals – for example tidying up together after playtime or set mealtimes – help the child predict what comes next. This provides a sense of security and reduces the likelihood of sudden disruption.
Opportunities for movement and expression
A child with a high energy level needs occasions to release it. Varied physical games, exercise routines, or dancing to music allow them to channel accumulated emotions and later focus on tasks that require more attention.
Patience and empathy
A calm and understanding attitude from adults is essential. At TEQUESTA, we strive to understand a Little One's needs and emotions while also setting clear boundaries – a balance that provides the child with a model of how to respond to their own impulses in a socially acceptable way.
Skilful praise and recognising effort
A hyperactive child often hears that they "need to calm down" or "shouldn't disrupt others." It is important, meanwhile, to notice and commend every – even the smallest – achievement. Reinforcing positive behaviours motivates the child to keep collaborating and builds their self-confidence.
Everyday activity suggestions
Sensory play
Tasks involving the senses can be particularly appealing to hyperactive children. Finger painting, transferring different materials – rice, groats, small pebbles – or playing with modelling compounds help them focus and develop creativity.
Outdoor movement activities
Frequently changing surroundings and playing in a park or preschool garden help channel excess energy. Besides standard chasing games and jumping, you can set up obstacle courses, balance beams, or simple coordination exercises.
Creative artistic tasks
Drawing, cutting, making collages, or moulding clay require longer periods of concentration and develop fine motor skills. A hyperactive child may need a few minutes' break to stretch, but it is good to encourage them to return to the task to reinforce perseverance.
Short learning sessions through play
At TEQUESTA, we suggest alternating exercises – such as counting or early reading activities – with physical movement. Spend five minutes counting blocks, then five minutes hopping or dancing, then a short review – and repeat. This way, the child does not feel overburdened, and learning becomes something to look forward to.
The role of preschool in supporting hyperactive children
In the international environment of TEQUESTA, an individual approach and close cooperation with Parents are crucial. Our staff learns from one another about effective educational methods and seeks solutions that help each child discover their unique talents and understand the rules of group life.
Setting goals together
Both at preschool and at home, it is useful to define clear, short-term objectives – for example trying to calm down before meals or completing one art project – so that the child can see the effects of their efforts.
Consulting and sharing observations
Regular communication between teachers and Parents allows for an exchange of information about progress and any challenges. This way, the educational approach can be adjusted jointly according to the child's current needs.
Flexibility and openness to change
At TEQUESTA, we continuously refine our methods to meet today's challenges and the diverse characters of our children. If it turns out that a child responds better to shorter, more dynamic sessions, we adapt the daily schedule so they feel comfortable and confident.
How to support a little one day by day?
Stay calm
A child with a great deal of energy may naturally cause frustration or fatigue in adults. The caregiver's calmness and self-control, however, serve as a model for the child on how to react in stressful situations.
Avoid labelling
Statements like "You're ruining the fun" or "You're being naughty" can create feelings of guilt and lower self-esteem. It is better to focus on specific behaviours – "I don't like that you took the toy away from your friend" – and explain what alternative response the child could choose.
Provide a space to calm down
Sometimes all that is needed is a few minutes in a quiet corner with a favourite stuffed toy or book. During that time, the child learns to interpret signals from their own body and mind, which helps them manage their emotions more effectively.
Consistently recognise progress
Even if the progress seems minor to an adult – for example five minutes of focusing on one activity – for the child it can be a huge achievement. Positive reinforcement builds the motivation for further effort.
Working with a hyperactive little one requires extra attentiveness, empathy, and flexibility. At TEQUESTA, we see every day that the right support, understanding, and a combination of care and clear guidelines can yield excellent results. A hyperactive Little One is often a highly creative, bright, and passionate small person who simply needs more guidance to find their place in a dynamic world.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a doctor or specialist. If you have any concerns about your child's development or behaviour, please consult a paediatrician or child psychologist.
FAQ – Hyperactivity in preschoolers
Is hyperactivity in a preschooler always a sign of ADHD?
Not necessarily. Many young children display behaviours that resemble hyperactivity – high energy levels, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still – without meeting the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. These traits often ease as the child matures and develops self-regulation skills. A formal assessment can only be carried out by a qualified specialist, such as a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
When should parents consult a specialist about their child's hyperactivity?
It is worth seeking specialist advice when the child's behaviour significantly interferes with their daily functioning – for example, when they consistently struggle to participate in group activities, cannot complete even short tasks, frequently have intense emotional outbursts, or show signs of distress. A paediatrician or child psychologist can help assess whether the child needs additional support.
How can I help a hyperactive child calm down at home?
A predictable daily routine is one of the most effective tools. Clear schedules, repeated rituals, and designated times for active play help the child feel secure and reduce sudden bursts of energy. Sensory activities – such as modelling clay, finger painting, or water play – can also help the child shift focus and settle down gradually.
Does a hyperactive child need a different preschool?
Not necessarily. What matters most is the approach of the teaching staff and the structure of the daily programme. A preschool that offers a consistent routine, small group activities, varied physical outlets, and an individualised approach can support a hyperactive child very effectively – regardless of whether the facility is public or private, bilingual or mainstream.
Can hyperactivity in early childhood be outgrown?
For many children, yes. High energy and impulsivity are developmentally normal in toddlers and preschoolers, and many children learn to self-regulate as they grow older. For some, however, these traits persist and may require ongoing support. Early intervention and a consistent approach at both home and preschool significantly improve outcomes.
