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Childhood Anxiety
We’re seeing more and more childhood anxiety in hypnotherapy practices today. Kids are under enormous pressure to learn faster, do more work at home and also be successful in sports and other extra curricular activities. But, by far, the widest spread issue I notice, is ADD. And this can show up as an inability to concentrate in the classroom. The child can’t concentrate, constantly moving and wiggling and the teacher becomes frustrated.
ADD kids aren’t the only ones having a hard time concentrating. Kids that are just full of energy have a hard a time also. My son was just that way. He is high energy. The physical energy would just build up like water dripping into a glass until it overflowed. Then he would fidget, tap, wiggle and start talking to friends. He couldn’t concentrate any longer. This stamina is great for sports but not so great for sitting still.
And so many schools have now cut down on recess time with some even eliminating recess completely. How is a kid supposed to run off the wiggles? Kids NEED to move. And some kids need to move a lot. They can’t concentrate when their body is yelling at them to move those muscles. That’s why sitting for long periods of time can be a huge challenge for anyone. And if your child has been diagnosed ADD, maybe it’s downright impossible.
When you bring your child to me for hypnosis for concentration, the first we’re going to talk about is physical energy and how it needs to be worn off through movement. For many kids, that will be enough. But what if your child has to sit for a long time and isn’t allowed to move. Here are three methods that you can use to channel that extra physical energy so that a kid can be calm for class.
1) A Way to Move During Class
If you’re son or daughter is having this problem, I found a product that just may change your child’s life, attitude about school and outlook on education. It’s called Bouncy Bands.
When I saw Bouncy Bands demonstrated on the news, I had to find out more about it. So many kids have trouble concentrating in class and I saw this product as a simple solution to allow movement and thus increase the ability to concentrate. This is such a widespread issue that I knew children everywhere could benefit from using it. My own son is smart and personable but as I said before, he is a high energy guy and sitting still too long was tough. Thank goodness for recess because we didn’t have Bouncy Bands.
Just what are Bouncy Bands?
Bouncy Bands are a device that fits on a desk or chair legs with a strong flexible band stretching between the legs where a child can stretch his legs, bounce his feet and fidget away while quietly sitting in class. Here is what the Bouncy Band website says about it:
-Move while you work quietly. Makes learning and working fun!
-Increases time on task.
-Helps high energy workers fidget without distracting others.
-Safe. 100% latex free.
-Discreetly soothes student anxiety, frustration, and hyperactivity.
Have you ever seen adults in workout rooms reading while on a treadmill or cycle? It’s soothing to be in motion while concentrating on reading. And our kids need it more than ever.
Kids Need Movement
Kids with ADD and other attention challenges need movement more than anyone. They spend a lot 
of their attention trying to contain their physical bodies and that divides what attention is left for their learning. With Bouncy Bands, the energy of quiet movement, soothes the physical body and thus allows their mind to turn to their studies. They can fidget away, bothering no one, being quiet and more attentive.
Testimonials
I was so impressed by all the testimonials from parents and teachers and administrators in favor of Bouncy Bands. They are saying things like:
“I love these things…As a teacher and as a parent of a child with ADHD. My child moves nonstop so this is a great way for him to be himself and get homework done.” Testmonial By: Brooke Flynt
“My younger son really struggled in kindergarten with ADHD. We used the bouncy band on his desk in first grade and he had a really successful year. His teacher was impressed with his listening skills and he did much better completing tasks at his desk.
The great thing about the bands is that they give the child an opportunity to move while learning, but they don’t distract the class. They are low profile, quiet and very durable. In fact, his classmates were completely unaware that it was on his desk.” Testimonial By: Kristin Schiller
“I have used this product with clients 3-13 during their treatment sessions with great success. The band provides great input to students seeking movement and pressure. Attention and endurance for table tasks improve significantly. Kids look comfortable and and in control.” Testimonial By: Barri Maxell, OTR/L — Pediatric Occupational Therapist
Where Do I Get One?
So, Bouncy Bands are not only a great solution to helping kids move and helping teachers keep kids focused, but they are affordable. You can pick one up here and have it delivered to your door.
2) Moving Before Class
Another way to increase concentration is to release that pent up energy through movement before class. That means getting in a block of exercise early in the morning. For a high energy kid this can be anything from taking a run, joining a swim team, or getting on a cycle before school.
Don’t send your child into class already crackling with physical energy that will be unleashed in his classroom. Send him in calm because he’s already been moving and working it off.
A run with mom or dad and the family dog is good for everyone. Dogs misbehave when they have too much energy, too. Your family will benefit from the exercise and your child will feel much calmer.
A swim team is good idea, also. You learn to be part of the team but also work with individual goals. And most swim teams practice every day before school. You have a hard swim and then set off calmly for class. Other types of teams practice after school. That’s not a bad thing but morning activity sends your child into class with a calm body and mind.
If that’s not doable, then just a good half hour on the exercise bike will work. The idea is to use up that extra energy BEFORE getting to the classroom.
I like the idea of doing it together; parent and child. I had a mother in for hypnosis who was afraid she didn’t love her child enough. She has a special needs child who was acting out in ways that made living with her hard. We worked on the mom’s feelings and what was affecting her child to behave this way but what I loved most was the mom’s solution to start their day in a positive and calm way.
She and her daughter did yoga together. This was a special time each day for just the two of them and both felt loved and focused each morning.
You can feel loved and focused, too, when exercise becomes a part of your morning.
3) A Way for All Kids to Move
I actually feel that bringing back recess or extending recess is best for all students. You can ask your school about their policies and encourage them to make changes. My opinion is that this benefits all.
But it’s hard to make those kind of changes in schools. There are so many rules and policy makers that you may have a tough time promoting change. I hope that’s not true in your school. I hope you can get the parents and the school to make these changes so that kids really do move more.
If your school doesn’t change their recess policy, maybe what they would do is allow a exercycle in the classroom. Some Canadian schools are going this way so kids can blow off steam. They’re liking the results they are seeing in concentration increases, calmness and focus.
Or if your school has physical education, they might agree to make it the first class instead of during the day. This will get the wiggles out before class starts.
What’s Important is to Make a Change
No matter how you decide to help your child to concentrate better at school, it’s important to make some kind of change. I’ve showed you three ways to do that here: put a Bouncy Band on your child’s desk or chair, have them do a workout before school, or talk to your school about ways to exercise during school.
When you bring your child to me for hypnosis for classroom concentration, we will be talking about pent up energy as well as other stresses. Give your child the best tools to succeed!
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
