Always on the Go – What to Do When Kids Can’t Sit Still

What to look for when your child is always on the go! 

1. The Child’s Age:

Age (this is an easy one but sometimes we forget how much young kids need to move!) Kids learn through play, and movement is often included. There’s only so much we can do in a chair!

2. The Environment:

Have you ever needed to clean your area before you start studying?
Yeah. Sometimes I do too just to procrastinate, but it’s usually so much easier to concentrate with less distractions! Same for kids. Some kids are sensory seekers but can also be sensitive to distractions in their environment!

3. Being Aware of their Body

Postural Control & Body Awareness: Some kids can sit still but can’t hold up their body for a long time. So, it’s easier to be always on the go! 
And in turn, some children have a hard time recognizing where they are, and try to use their environment (the floor, furniture, walls…people) to recognize where their body is in space! Close your eyes and touch your elbow. Now touch your chin! Sometimes children have a hard time recognizing where their body parts without additional pressure from their environment, or visual clues.

4. Organized Movement

Look for how a child responds to movement in one direction, or movement combined with a gross motor activity. While some kids may crave spinning, running, jumping, it may not calm them down and rev them up more! After you observe your child for a while, look for patterns in what activities seem to calm them down.

Collaborating When Kids Are On the Go

You don’t have to be a detective  on your own! Get in touch with an occupational therapist in your area for more! And remember, these general strategies do not replace working with a licensed health professional.

Dr. Dime

Check out more on the A Dime in OT blog here!