What are some possible causes?

Lack of sleep (an underestimated but common cause among school-age children). Excessive screen time (visual and cognitive overstimulation). An unbalanced diet high in simple sugars, additives, or hidden caffeine (chocolate, soda). Stress or anxiety (academic or family difficulties, separation, grief). Changes in routine (start of the school year, moving, birth, changes in childcare). A naturally energetic temperament without any underlying medical condition. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in some cases. Documented deficiencies in magnesium, iron, and B vitamins in some children. A combination of several factors is often involved.

What daily habits should you adopt?

A predictable routine (mealtimes, bedtime, regular homework). Daily physical activity (at least 60 minutes per day according to the WHO, ideally outdoors). Limit screen time (no screens in the morning before school, no screens in the evening before bedtime, no screens in the bedroom). Quiet spaces at home (a reading corner, puzzles, drawing, building blocks). Quality sleep (10–13 hours for school-age children, in a cool, dark, quiet bedroom). Clear and supportive rules, with consistency among adults. Positive reinforcement of good behavior (encouragement, point system). Open communication about emotions and feelings.

Calming a Restless Child

Q: What is a restless child?

Excessive motor activity, difficulty staying calm, concentrating, or following instructions. Moving around, talking, interrupting, and quickly switching from one activity to another are all part of the normal daily life of a developing child. It becomes a concern when this restlessness consistently disrupts family, school, or social life. Viewing restlessness as a signal rather than a flaw allows us to support the child with compassion and create a suitable environment. In most cases, lifestyle adjustments are enough to restore balance.

Q: What kind of diet should be prioritized?

A complete breakfast (protein, complex carbohydrates, fruit, rather than sugary cereals alone). Complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index (whole-grain bread, oatmeal, semi-whole-grain rice). Omega-3s from fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon), canola oil, and walnuts. Magnesium from legumes, nuts, dark chocolate, and appropriate mineral waters. A variety of fruits and vegetables (at least 5 servings per day). High-quality protein at every meal (eggs, fish, lean meats, legumes). Stay hydrated with plain water throughout the day. Limit: excessive simple sugars, sugary and energy drinks, ultra-processed foods, artificial colors (tartrazine, Ponceau 4R—which have been implicated), and uncontrolled snacking.

Q: herbs and supplements helpful?

Follow age-appropriate advice from a pharmacist. Magnesium (a common deficiency in restless children; bisglycinate or citrate forms are well tolerated). Omega-3 EPA/DHA (documented benefits for concentration and emotional regulation). Passionflower, lemon balm, linden (soothing herbs in mild herbal teas or alcohol-free pediatric syrups). Hawthorn (nervousness and mild palpitations). Valerian (restless sleep; generally recommended for ages 6–12, depending on the form). Vitamin D3 and B vitamins, as indicated by test results. Aromatic essential oils should be used with caution in children under 6 (true lavender in appropriate diffusion). Bach flower remedies or child-appropriate cardiac coherence techniques can complement the treatment.

Q: When should you consult a professional?

Seek medical or psychological advice if: excessive restlessness is affecting learning, self-esteem, or social relationships; persistent academic difficulties despite appropriate support; Marked impulsive behaviors, aggression, self-endangerment. Chronic sleep disturbances, repeated nightmares. Visible anxiety, withdrawal, sadness, loss of motivation. Symptoms suggestive of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity lasting more than 6 months in multiple settings. Family history of neurodevelopmental disorders. Parental exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed. Primary care physician or pediatrician refers the child to appropriate specialists (psychologist, psychomotor therapist, speech-language pathologist, pediatric neurologist). An accurate diagnosis enables targeted support.

What Is a Restless Child?

A restless child is characterized by excessive motor activity, difficulty staying calm, concentrating, or following instructions. Moving around, talking, interrupting, and quickly switching from one activity to another are all part of the normal daily life of a developing child. Restlessness becomes a concern when it consistently interferes with family, school, or social life.

Viewing restlessness as a signal rather than a flaw allows us to support the child with kindness and create a suitable environment. In most cases, lifestyle adjustments are enough to restore balance. Additional resources are available forthe child and for managingrestlessness in general.

What are the possible causes?

Several factors can explain a child’s restlessness:

Lack of sleep: an underestimated but common cause, particularly among school-age children
Excessive screen time: visual and cognitive overstimulation
An unbalanced diet high in simple sugars, additives, or hidden caffeine (chocolate, soda)
Stress or anxiety: academic or family difficulties, separation, grief
Changes in routine: the start of the school year, moving, a new birth, or changes in childcare
A naturally energetic temperament without an underlying medical condition
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in some cases
Documenteddeficiencies in magnesium, iron, and B vitamins in some children

Identifying the source of restlessness helps determine the appropriate response. A combination of factors is often involved: addressing multiple factors simultaneously yields the best results. Specific resources are available for childhood nervousness andhyperactivity in general.

What daily habits should be adopted?

Several lifestyle factors can help calm restlessness:

A predictable routine: regular meal, bedtime, and homework schedules
Daily physical activity: at least 60 minutes a day according to the WHO, ideally outdoors
Limiting screen time: no screens in the morning before school, no screens in the evening before bedtime, and noscreens in the bedroom
Quiet spaces at home: a reading corner, puzzles, drawing, and building blocks
Quality sleep: 10–13 hours for school-age children, in a cool, dark, and quiet bedroom
Clear and supportive rules; consistency among adults
Positive reinforcement of good behavior (encouragement, point system)
Open communication about emotions and feelings

Specific resources are available to support a child’s mental focus and overall sleep.

What kind of diet should be prioritized?

Diet directly influences behavior and concentration:

A balanced breakfast: protein, complex carbohydrates, and fruit, rather than sugary cereals alone
Complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index: whole-grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice
Omega-3 from fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon), canola oil, and walnut oil
Magnesium from legumes, nuts, dark chocolate, and appropriate mineral waters
A variety offruits and vegetables, at least 5 servings per day
High-quality protein at every meal (eggs, fish, lean meats, legumes)
Stay hydrated with plain water throughout the day

Limit: excessive simple sugars, sugary and energy drinks, ultra-processed foods, artificial food coloring (certain types such as tartrazine and Ponceau 4R have been flagged as problematic), and uncontrolled snacking. For magnesium and omega-3s in general, specific resources are available.

Are herbs and supplements helpful?

Several supplements can help promote calmness in children, when taken as directed by a pharmacist and appropriate for the child’s age:

Magnesium: a common deficiency in restless children; bisglycinate or citrate forms are well tolerated
Omega-3 EPA/DHA: documented benefits for concentration and emotional regulation
Passionflower, lemon balm, linden: calming herbs in mild herbal teas or alcohol-free pediatric syrups
Hawthorn: for nervousness and mild palpitations
Valerian: restless sleep; generally recommended for children aged 6–12 and older, depending on the formulation
Vitamin D3 and B vitamins as indicated by test results

Aromatic essential oils should be used with caution in children under 6 years of age, strictly under the guidance of a pharmacist (e.g., true lavender in an age-appropriate diffuser). Bach flower remedies or child-appropriate cardiac coherence techniques can complement the treatment. Specific resources are available for passionflower, lemon balm, and valerian in general.

When should you consult a professional?

Several situations warrant medical or psychological consultation:

Intrusive restlessness affecting learning, self-esteem, and social relationships
Persistent academic difficulties despite appropriate support
Marked impulsive behaviors, aggression, or self-endangerment
Chronic sleep disturbances, recurring nightmares
Visible anxiety, withdrawal, sadness, loss of motivation
Symptoms suggestive of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity lasting more than 6 months across multiple settings
Family history of neurodevelopmental disorders
Parental burnout, feeling overwhelmed

The primary care physician or pediatrician refers the child to appropriate specialists (psychologist, psychomotor therapist, speech-language pathologist, or pediatric neurologist, depending on the situation). An accurate diagnosis allows for targeted support. Your pharmacist remains a valuable resource for recommending age-appropriate supplements and identifying signs that require medical attention, in addition to regular pediatric follow-up. Specific resources are available for stress and memory in general.