| There are as many different temperaments as there | | | | Remember that routines are important for all children, |
| are children. Some preschoolers have temperaments | | | | but even more so for children with short attention |
| that many parents consider to be easy. They are | | | | spans. By all means, follow their lead and allow them |
| social and affectionate, react to new situations with | | | | ample opportunity to "burn off" their energy. |
| curiosity, and often are considered "even-tempered" | | | | These children often seem to have boundless energy |
| Others may be shy, more difficult to warm up, or | | | | and are literally built for physical activity. However, |
| cautious of new situations. These traits may be | | | | many of them have difficulty making the transition |
| viewed as stubbornness. Infants may be innately | | | | from 1 type of activity to another. Therefore, make |
| intense or difficult to comfort. Some children seem to | | | | sure these children avoid strenuous physical activity |
| be unable to focus on any activity for more than a | | | | before going to bed |
| few minutes. | | | | Having periods during the day when these children are |
| Often these children seem to go from 1 activity to the | | | | in a playpen or a quiet area with a limited number of |
| next with barely enough time to take a breath. Many | | | | choices can be very helpful. They often have difficulty |
| such children also seem to have boundless energy, are | | | | focusing on 1 thing at a time, and being allowed to |
| in constant motion and are viewed as hyperactive. | | | | wander from task to task in unstructured environment |
| A child's ability to focus is a gradual developmental | | | | can result in overload |
| process that lengthens with age. But, if a child can't | | | | Not only is "time-out" in the playpen good for children, |
| pay attention for at least 20-25 minutes by age 5, that | | | | but it also gives you some time to do things for |
| very abbreviated attention span can be frustrating for | | | | yourself. Active children can drain the energy from |
| parents. The child also faces a potential for difficulty in | | | | even the most patient parents. As with all these |
| kindergarten | | | | children, set limits and administer discipline in a firm and |
| Most parents find it reassuring to learn that active | | | | consistent manner |
| toddlers, preschoolers and early-school-age children will | | | | Remember that with their increased activity and |
| gradually develop the ability to sit still and pay attention. | | | | energy levels, these children seem to be more apt |
| However, waiting for this to happen can be frustrating. | | | | than other children to get into trouble. Confront |
| A short attention span in older children can seriously | | | | negative behavior immediately. Your child should know |
| interfere with both academic and social achievement in | | | | that certain behavior is unacceptable. |
| school. For these children, it is recommended formal | | | | After you convey that message, it's important to |
| evaluation as soon as this problem is reported. | | | | reassure your child that you still love him or her but that |
| Don't blame yourself. Children are born with different | | | | you will not tolerate any biting, hitting, running, kicking, |
| temperaments, and the very active child is 1 of the | | | | throwing and the like. Use common sense in |
| many varieties. In fact, this temperamental style suits | | | | considering which social situations to enter with your |
| many cultures and many adults careers. | | | | child. |