Why 'Calming Down' Makes Kids More Hyper

Here's a little trick from sensory science:

Telling a hyper kid to "calm down" almost never works.

Why? Because their nervous system is in overdrive. They physically CAN'T calm down until they discharge that energy.

The Regulation Paradox

When a kid is bouncing off the walls, their body is flooded with activation energy.

Asking them to sit still is like asking a shaken soda bottle NOT to fizz when you open it.

It's not willpower. It's physics.

What Actually Works

Instead of fighting the energy, redirect it.

The sequence goes:

Match the energy — Start big and physical
Gradually slow — Decrease intensity over time
End calm — Finish with stillness

The Up-Then-Down Technique

Try this 5-minute sequence:

1 minute: Jumping jacks or running in place (HIGH energy) 1 minute: Animal walks — bear crawl, crab walk (MEDIUM energy) 1 minute: Slow-motion walking (LOW energy) 1 minute: Deep breathing on the floor (CALM) 1 minute: Quiet rest, eyes closed (STILL)

You're literally guiding their nervous system down the ladder.

The Brain Science

This works because of the autonomic nervous system.

You can't jump straight from "fight or flight" to "rest and digest." You need to descend gradually.

Big movement first releases the built-up activation. Then calm activities help the nervous system reset.

When to Use This

Before homework
Before bed
After school
Anytime they're "too much"

Don't fight the energy. Surf it.

If you want more brain-based strategies that work WITH kids' development (not against it), check out the free starter kit. No PhD required.