There are, of course, situations where those drugs they hand out are
appropriate, but in many cases, hyperactivity is misdiagnosed. Children
naturally have different levels of energy and activity. There are some
children who may be challenging, who may not be able to sit still for
long periods of time, and who may be set on testing us as parents until
we reach the breaking point. They\'re \"spirited.
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\" Sometimes referred to
as \"active and alert.\" They don\'t need drugs, psychologists or more
punishment. Everyone around you will no doubt give you advice when they
see your active child not sitting still when they think they should,
others will tell you to have them tested, to give them drugs, to spank
them, or that you need to take a parenting class. In fact, chances are
you\'re not doing anything wrong as a parent. A high level of activity
is just your child\'s nature. It may be hard to deal with, and others
may not understand it, but in fact, children are like any other type of
person. Some are mellow and laid back, some are highly spirited and
always active.
Researchers have identified nine common traits that everyone has to
some degree; the degree that these traits exist is what determines
whether a child will be \"spirited\" or not. One trait are intensity, or
how strong emotional reactions are to certain stimuli. Intense
children, when happy, will be the happiest child in the world; when
sad, they will be desolate. Sensitivity to environment is another. A
spirited child may be very sensitive to bright lights and loud noises,
or even clothes that are itchy or uncomfortable. Knowing this ahead of
time and creating an appropriate environment will help deal with
uncontrolled outbursts. Perceptiveness is another element that we all
have; spirited children are very perceptive, and aware of everything
around them, no matter how small.
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