But children who can’t sit still learn that being disruptive gets them attention. They learn to get “in trouble.” And this can foster long-term discipline problems.

Parents can help children learn to settle down and be still. For starters, make sure the following are part of your child’s regular routine:

• Reading stories.
• Watching videos.
• Sitting at the table to eat.
• Traveling in the car.
• Playing in the bath or at the sink.
• Waiting his turn.
• Playing games that require concentration such as building, drawing or playing with play dough.
• Finishing what he starts.

If your child is fidgety, make sure he has outlets for his excess energy. Between sitting activities, let him play noisy games. Let him shout and run around. Knowing he’ll have “noisy times”—like during school recess—will help him remain still through sitting times.

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