How to calm hyper preschoolers?

Question

My son is 3 1/2 and my daughter is 2. My son will get very hyper at times, screaming, throwing things and running around wildly. My daughter then begins to imitate him. I have tried "time-outs", spanking, reward charts and deep pressure massage. I am at my wits end trying to calm them down. HELP!

Answer 1

believe it or not the sugar content will slow them down. these kids need to eat nutrient rich meals every day and healthy snacks in between. you will see a difference. try it for 3 days. Breakfast lunch then dinner. Healthy snacks i.e. raisins, fruit, jello.

The reason why some friends say that it works at first then stops is because they themselves cannot stick to the routine. If you want discipline then you have to be disciplined.

It works with out a doubt but YOU have to be committed to working it. I did and it demanded alot of self-control when I wanted to stop and pick up a burger and fry.

I refrained from fast food for a week and cooked or prepared breakfast (no sugar except from fruit), (package)lunch no sugar except from optional yogurt or juice and 2 braids of twizzlers, dinner no sugar at all and dessert sugar free or very low sugar snacks.

I was so amazed at the results when I realized that the only way to keep some sanity is to continue. It is hard at times but can be done.

Answer 2

This stuff is actually normal for their age, but I know it's aggrevating to deal with. :)

First of all I would suggest taking away or limiting sugar intake. No soda at all, and as little candy as possible. If you've done that already, put them on a routine. Wake up at a certain time, snack at a certain time, go outside and play at a certain time, etc. That last one is really important because if they have the chance to get all of their energy out while it's acceptable (i.e. outside), then they won't have so much to use while inside.

My kids do much better when they are on a schedule and don't get soda/sugar. Also try not to overreact when they act this way. Let them know the behavior is not OK but "we can go outside in ___ minutes and then you can run around and be loud". If you take toys away (as long as they don't have a gazillion others to play with), that should help some.

Good luck.

Answer 3

When he starts to scream and throw things try sitting him on your lap, cross his arms and hold him. In a soft calm voice tell him he needs to calm done, show him how to take a deep breath and blow it out slow, have him repeat this until he calms down. Ask him what it is that he wanted or why he was screaming. Tell him if he continues to misbehave like this you will not acknowledge him in any way. Give him a quiet spot to sit if he continues and don't allow him to get up until he is ready to play quietly and calmly. Your daughter will follow his new behavior and you will have a much quieter home. But don't forget to praise him for the Good Behavior, thank him for being such a good boy today.

Answer 4

I have a 4 1/2 who is hyper/wild and his 3 yr brother is beginning to imitate. I've started taking dairy out of his diet and all simple sugars. This has helped. Also, strict nap/bedtimes help so the routine is predictable - yes, he still naps 2 hours a day. Other than that, I try to make sure I get eye contact when giving short, clear directions and as much positive praise as possible. Although I ran out of positive praise when he flooded his bedroom at nap time :)

Answer 5

Children are bundles of energy. Have you fed them anything with red pigment in it? Some people react badly to Red Dye # 44, my sisters being among them. Also, how often do they get outside? Personally I've found the best way to calm down preschoolers is to take them to the park and set them free for a few hours. Bring a book and chill under a tree while they go crazy. They'll be MUCH calmer at home, then.

Answer 6

Enough with the ADHD already! It seems to me that almost every question a parent posts here is answered with "have him/her tested for ADHD." Some kids are just full of energy. Does he get enough time to go outside and run around? To play rough, climb around, get dirty and scream? This helps some of the kids in my classroom. Diet can also play a big role in this. When he starts getting hyper, give him a piece of turkey or some cheese for a little protein boost.

Answer 7

you probably have done this but my suggestion would be trying to wear them out, take them outside and have free time in the yard where they can run and jump and scream all they want for a limited period of time (that being chosen by you of course) Then make them sternly aware that when that time is over they need to play with their mouse voices and butterfly wings, meaning normal tone and gentle wings. Anything less then will be punishable with your choice. And I think taking their favorite toy is the most powerful to children at that age.
I dont believe in diagnosing ADD or ADHD at that age is appropriate as all kids are hyper, its good for them. They need to get it out and run off all the junk they eat etc... let them be kids.. but then teach them how to be "little adults" they tend to catch on to these "adult" games as long as they have already gotten to have their fun too

Answer 8

Many will suggest looking into ADD or ADHD and using medications as prescribed by a doctor. Another thing to look into is called "sensory integration". There are therapists all over the US that specialize in these things. Look at sensory integration international website or check into the book "The Out-of-Sync Child" by Carol Kranowitz. You will be amazed at how you are not alone and many other parents are going through what you are experiencing.

Answer 9

Do they get enough time to run around every day? If so, are they getting enough rest in the day? When my daughter, 3, acts up, it's usually because she hasn't had enough physical activities, or too tired, or too thirsty/hungry. Your son may also be acting out in order to see your reaction. Less you react, the better. I know it's hard, but try it. It's also possible that some kids are allergic to food/preservatives/food color -- as my neighbor had found out that her son was acting up 15-20 minutes after drinking anything "red" -- turns out he's allergic to the color dye that made him "wild."

Answer 10

Take him to a Psychiatrist,not a counselor.they can see if it is the way you handle things or if it is physical.Don't wait.My cousin went to a lot of counselors to no end.after 17 years of driving everyone crazy including herself,they found out it was a reaction her body was having to dyes and artificial ingredients in food.After all those years it took just a few weeks to stop the whole problem.She has to watch what she eats,no drugs,no therapy.You never know,it could be somthing simple.