A Very Active Child

My 7 year old son is very, very active.   In fact, he has trouble sitting still at school, at restaurants, at the doctor's office, at the dining table, etc. He runs and jumps all around in museums, in stores, and in people's homes.  And he touches everything. 

In addition to reminding him, scolding him, and lecturing him, here are a few things that we have tried that have worked -

• Using a fidget toy. He uses it to keep his hands occupied during "circle time" at school.  We gave him a small textured ball for him to use with his teacher's agreement and encouragement.  It was made clear to him that this was a special fidget toy (his teacher called it "a strategy")  to help him concentrate, not a toy to play with.  It really helped him stay focused.

• Using a rewards chart.  We created a special chart for him and told him that he will get a stamp whenever he is able to sit still (especially at restaurants!).  Once he collects 10 stamps, he gets a prize (usually pokemon cards or beyblades which are his favorite toys!).  We do not use it as "bait" - we do not mentioned it to him when we want him to sit still,  we just reward him with a stamp when he does sit still.  Whenever he gets a prize, we all clap and congratulate him on his efforts!

• Using positive re-enforcement.  We praise him whenever he is able to sit still,  not touch things at a store, etc.  He looks so proud of himself whenever we praise him - now, he praises himself whenever he is able to focus or concentrate.

Does anyone have any other tips to share?