Impulsive physical behaviour — running, climbing, roughhousing

What to do right now

Their body needs movement — the running and climbing are regulatory, not defiant. Direct the energy somewhere appropriate right now: "Outside. You can run out there." If you need them still for a specific reason, give them a physical job that meets the movement need: carrying something heavy, being your helper. Address the safety issue briefly after the energy has had an outlet.

What your brain just did

Your body

The running, climbing, roughhousing. It's physically exhausting to supervise and socially nerve-wracking in public. You can see the judgment.

Your brain

ADHD hyperactivity is driven by dopamine-seeking. The motor cortex is under-stimulated and the child is self-medicating through movement. The impulse to run, jump, or climb arrives before the executive function system can assess whether it's appropriate.

What this did

Channelled movement is safer than suppressed movement. Suppression doesn't reduce the drive. It builds pressure until it releases in a less controlled way. Designate spaces and times where the movement is welcome.

What your child is experiencing

Their body

The running, jumping, climbing arrives before the safety assessment. Their body is in motion before their brain has evaluated whether it is appropriate or safe.

Their brain

Hyperactivity is driven by a dopamine-seeking motor system. The ADHD brain is under-stimulated at baseline and self-medicates through movement. The impulse to move arrives at the motor cortex before the prefrontal cortex can assess the context.

What they need

Channelled movement, not suppressed movement. Suppression builds pressure that releases less controllably. Designate spaces and times where the movement is welcome. A child who has had enough physical output is calmer, not more activated.