How music can soothe hyperactivity

Music has been found to have a profoundly soothing effect on children with hyperactivity or ADHD. While many adults use music to support relaxation techniques such as meditation and Yoga, this soothing effect can also work for children who find it difficult to control their behaviour.

How can it help?

Individuals with ADHD, ADD, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other similar concentration difficulties, have a tendency to become more easily distracted by different sights and sounds within their immediate environment. They find it difficult to manage their behaviour and can become frustrated, anxious, and unable to focus on any one activity at a time.

By introducing soothing music into a child's everyday routine, it is thought to alleviate and reduce the number of hyperactive episodes a child may have. The soothing music may mask out any distracting noises and demands a child concentrates on the one sound. Through concentration on the music a child may regulate their breathing pattern, calm the rush of thoughts in their minds and purely focus on the task of listening.

Many child psychologists, teachers, and parents are beginning to see the merits of helping children relax, and become calmer in their behaviour through introducing music sessions into everyday routines.

Want to give it a go? Create a comfortable space for your child to relax in - use cushions, soft materials, and avoid anything which may distract your child. Develop a set routine for your child where there are times for them to unwind and relax. Make sure that the television and computer are turned off and the house is quiet. Then try playing your child a special soothing music CD to help calm their behaviour.