EducateAble

Therapists Share Brilliant Solutions for Kids Who Struggle to Sit Still

3–5 minutes

What I Wish More Parents and Teachers Knew About ‘Difficult’ Behaviour

“Why can’t he just sit still like the other kids?”

That was the question someone whispered to me — kindly but with frustration — after my son wriggled out of his chair during story time at a workshop I was leading.

I smiled politely.

But inside, I flinched.

Because I used to ask that question, too… before I understood what was happening.

See, my son isn’t “bad,” “naughty,” or “out of control.”

His brain just works a little differently.

It lights up with excitement, fizzles with anxiety, and races ahead even when his little feet are trying to stay still.

The Real Problem No One Talks About

Here’s the truth many parents and teachers miss — and I say this gently, with love:

Children don’t misbehave to annoy us.

They communicate through behaviour when they don’t have the words, the skills, or the emotional regulation to express themselves.

Especially for neurodiverse kids, the world can feel like an overwhelming carnival — too loud, too bright, too fast.

And what do we do when they act out?

We tell them to calm down, focus, or sit still.

But we rarely teach them how.

That’s the gap.

And it’s where we can make the most significant difference as caregivers, educators, and therapists.

What I’ve Learned

Let me be honest — I’ve made mistakes.

I’ve tried reward charts. I’ve raised my voice. I’ve begged my son to just “try harder.”

But over time, I began to see a pattern — in my clients and in my own home:

When we lead with connection, kids respond with trust.

When we make tasks playful and bite-sized, they feel manageable.

Accepting how they’re wired makes them feel safe in their own skin.

So today, I want to share a few “brilliant solutions” I’ve gathered over the years — tools that don’t just manage behaviour but nurture growth from the inside out.

Three Brilliant, Brain-Friendly Solutions

1.     The Reset Ritual

Create a 2-minute routine your child can use when they feel “too much.”

Ours is:

  • Blow 3 bubbles
  • Squeeze a soft toy tight
  • Shake arms like spaghetti

This gives the body a way to release tension — and the brain a way to regroup.

2.     Phonics Hide-and-Seek

Turn reading time into a scavenger hunt!

Write letter sounds or sight words on cards and hide them around the room.

Each time your child finds one, they read it aloud — and then do a silly action (jump, clap, spin).

This blends movement, laughter, and literacy and works wonders with kids who can’t sit still for long.

3.     The Feeling Wheel Jar

Use a jar filled with slips of paper showing emotions and tiny actions (e.g.,

“I feel excited – let’s dance!” or

“I feel frustrated – time to draw it out!”).

This teaches emotional expression and coping skills in a fun and doable way.

It’s Not About Perfect Parenting — It’s About Progress

Every child is different.

What works for mine may not work for yours — and that’s okay.

But when we shift from controlling behaviour to understanding needs, everything changes.

We stop reacting.

We start responding.

And most of all, we remember:

Your child doesn’t need to be “fixed.”

They need to be seen, heard, and supported — just as they are.

Over to You!

Which tip will you try this week?

Or is there a behaviour that’s puzzling you right now?

Drop it in the comments — let’s figure it out together.

And if you’re looking for personalised support, I’d love to walk alongside you.

Book a 1:1 consultation here – you don’t have to do this alone.

Recommended Resources

Helpful Tools for Home

These tools can support your child’s learning and emotional regulation:

Note: Please select products that are age-appropriate and meet safety standards.

Free Online Courses for Parents & Educators

Expand your understanding of ADHD and child development with these free courses:

These self-paced courses can provide valuable strategies to support your child’s growth.

Investing time in understanding your child’s unique needs can significantly impact their development. These resources are here to support you on this journey.