My 4 year old is totally hyperactive.. besides medication ( anyone suggestion medication go elsewhere) what can I try to do to keep him calm some of the time? We believe he's ADHD, but undiagnosed.. which doesn't matter because we'd refuse to medicate.
2006-08-17 13:40:33 · 17 answers · asked by Imani 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
First, take a look at his diet. I know a lot of parents who tell me that they suspect that their child is ADHD and then I find out that they are feeding their child junk food.
Also, is your family always in a rush. Your child maybe picking up the mood that you set in the household. Such as, are you always rushing in the morning, does your family rush to do any activity.
Look at your environment, is your child's environment chaotic. Is it a place that looks and feels soothing and relaxing.
What about your child's routine...is it consistent or does he go to bed whenever he/she wants. Do you set a time during the day when he/she can relax.
Consider these suggestions..a lot of times children get misdiagnosed for ADHD before looking at other factors.
2006-08-17 13:52:32 · answer #1 · answered by Sydney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have you tried changing his diet? If he has food high in sugar and fizzy sweet drinks alot this could be the problem. Do you spend time outdoors? If not try going to the park and letting him release some of his energy for an hour or so and see if that helps. Do activities with him that are more relaxed, like drawing or building with blocks or something. Try suggesting quiet time where you read a book together or even watch his favourite movie. He may just need to be stimulated by things he enjoys doing and doing activities with you or others. It may wear him out or even keep him calm for a few hours just so you get some peace. Does he have other kids in his neighbourhood to play with or do any sports? Try finding an outlet for his energy. Good luck and i hope this helps.
2006-08-17 20:51:47 · answer #2 · answered by megs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should definitely have him assessed if you believe he meets the criteria for ADHD. To check informally, look on the website for the DSM IV, it lists the specific criteria for a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD in the areas of both attention and hyperactivity. Then, have your child's pediatrician do an assessment. The best thing you can do for your child is have a consistent routine. Children with attention problems thrive on having their daily schedule the same. In their mental world of chaos, having a routine that is the same every day really helps to calm them. I also suggest getting the diagnosis (if there is one) because your child can receive special considerations in school. You can ask your child's school district to help you draw up a 504 Plan, which is a formal paper that gives your child accommodations in school, such as time to get up and move about, that may help with his ability to learn.
2006-08-17 23:26:59 · answer #3 · answered by dolphin mama 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though you may think that he is ADHD they won't test for it until he is in school. If you aren't going to medicate you will have problems!! I am ADHD and I was medicated in 2nd and 3rd grade then my dad didn't agree with the meds so they took me off of them, but I wish that they had kept me on the meds because I did much better when I was on the meds! My grades were much higher than they were without the meds. I say if he is diagnosed with it try the meds for a few months and see how he does because you may actually want to keep him medicated to control it.
2006-08-17 21:00:18 · answer #4 · answered by chrissiewild79 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is ADHD and I have found that a cup of coffee has worked to calm her down for the day in the morning I have even given her mountain dew for some reason the caffine has a reverse effect on hyper active kids it is somrthing to try as apposed to meds
2006-08-17 20:49:11 · answer #5 · answered by redhairedindian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off i applaud you for refusing to medicate! I find the best thing to do is find out things that he is really interested in and get him involved more with those things. You can try gettin him into therapy like horse back riding therapy which they have to learn to be calm to ride the horse, or swimming classes where he can splash and learn to use smooth motions when doing arm strokes and therapys like that.
2006-08-17 20:48:11 · answer #6 · answered by mommy2thomasandtessa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a start would be to look on the website on information regarding adhd and eliminate certain foods ,such as caffeine,certains foods with dies, chocolate and so on. your best bet would be to him diagnosed before giving wrong meds or foods to your child. This would be a priority, i can't express the consequences that your child could suffer if not diagnosed.
2006-08-17 20:49:05 · answer #7 · answered by alenciaashtonmoore 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why?? Would you refuse medication for your child if they had diabetes or a heart condition?? ADHD is a chemical imbalance sweetheart!
2006-08-17 20:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by jiffypop88 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fine, Medication go elsewhere, but I will leave this before I go,
Medication is not for you, it is to help the child.
Go to his doctor and tell him to go else where.
2006-08-17 22:14:16 · answer #9 · answered by timer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My kids all have buckets of energy, its just the way they are. Let him run around some times, and cut back his sleep by an hour, this worked for my kids.
Good luck!
2006-08-17 20:45:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋