How do you actually tell a hyper active child on what to do and what not when he's only 2 1/2 years old?

Question

My son is 2 1/2 yrs old here and he is a very hyper active little boy. Never sits still at home. Always moving around. Same if I were to bring him out. I just wonder how am I to tell my son what to do and what not when actullay does understands what I said but it seems that he sometimes pretends not to. Especially in public places where he prefers to wail out loud if he's not allowed to do stuffs or go to where he wants to be.

Please help!!!!

Answer 1

Did you know that the same year they brought out ADHD as a disorder (according to the press) 50% more children were medicated? At 2 1/2 children have about a 2 minute attention span. Try to find toys that capture his imagination so he will start learning to focus. It's usually impractical if you're going shopping, say with half a cart of groceries sitting there, to just walk out of the store, but if you allow for the time, you can usually set your cart aside if you talk to a teller and explain the situation. Offer a reward for "good boys" who behave in the store. You have to keep the directions simple. Saying "Be Good" means nothing to a 2 year old. You have to explain, "I need you to stay by mommy"; "no shouting in the store"; etc. Be specific. Maybe allow him to pick one treat at the beginning of the outing (give him a choice of healthy alternatives). Try taking a toy along to distract him. Maybe Mr. Teddy Bear sits nice and quiet and gets a treat. Try feeding him only non-processed foods for awhile - food additives can really affect some kids. You shouldn't spank your kid out of frustration. If his behaviour embarasses you, get over it. One of my 2-year-olds once threw a fit in a mall. I just walked away. She looked around, then instantly jumped up and ran after me. Everyone laughed :) It is important to be patient at this stage because you are establishing trust. However you decide to deal with it, be consistant. I always say that an active body is a sign of an active mind. He's just checking out the world and his limits. It's up to you to see that he explores safely and set the limits. Don't worry, we've all been there .... and survived :)

Answer 2

I don't know a 2 1/2 year old that does sit still. As far as the way he acts in public, that is not a symptom of hyperactivity, that is a symptom of a spoiled child. From what little you have said I would be willing to bet that he gets his way when he throws a fit. Best thing you can do is start disciplining him now and be consistent. Do not give in. I know it can be embarrassing or humiliating even when a child shows their@$$ in public, but by giving in you are letting him have control. He is not the parent, you are. Next time he starts in a public place, just leave. He is old enough to understand. Example; "Bobby, if you don't stop screaming, we are going to leave and go home." Wait a minute or two, then take his butt home. It may take a few times but he will get it. Just remember that is he is getting on your nerves by throwing a fit in public, he is disturbing everyone else too. Be respectful of other people and remove your child until he calms down and behaves properly. It may be "impractical" to walk out with a half full cart of groceries, but it is also rude and offensive to the people around you to stay and force them to put up with your childs bad behavior. All parents should understand that they chose to be a parent and it is up to you to teach that child have to behave properly in public. I have been where you are and I ALWAYS chose to take my child and leave the situation, didn't matter if I was missing the sale of a lifetime. It is not mine or my childs right to disturb other people. Apoligize to people on the way out the door, take them home and let him/her scream and throw all of the fits he wants. Next time you get ready to go say the same thing over again. "Bobby, if you are going to scream and act bad in the store, we are going to leave and go home like we did last time. So, are you ready to go?" Good Luck

Answer 3

Establish a planned set of rules and consequences - then they are consistent. At 2 1/2 my son thought he could throw a public tantrum and I followed through with the same consequence a good healthy swat across the bottom - I got stares but he knew that I meant business when this was my option. He knew if I spoke to him and made direct eye contact the behavior was not inappropriate but he needed to calm down. He knew if I redirected him to another activity that meant the one he was at was off limits and would next be followed with a swat. Everything was a one time talk, redirect and then a swat. It took about six months to make it work for us - but it did and we did it without drugs. Admittedly it wore my patience thin, very thin, but he was never harmed and it actually led to a deeper relationship and one of respect. Trust me they understand a lot at 2 1/2 that you wouldn't think of. The less tv and music the better too - it has a way of intensifying the hyper mode, and the seeing and wanting when you are out.

Answer 4

if you truly believe that your son is hyperactive, have your pediatrician confirm this. sometimes it seems as though our children are ADD or worse ... when they might just be normal kids with individualized personalities. my younger brother was diagnosed ADD/hyperactive when he was 8 ... turns out the diagnosis was absolutely wrong, and he is actually severely manic depressive. you can imagine what happens when you give a bipolar kid drugs for a hyperactive one! my point is, if you think he really is hyper, then other elements should be brought into the equation, like a psychiatrist. having a hyperactive child is challenging, and there are alot of resources available.

having said that, i also have to point out that 2 and a half year old boys are notoriously busy, and any child that age is also notorious for seeming to never understand anything that begins with the words "don't" or "stop". other children might sit and watch a short movie at that age, but my son seemed unable to be still for that long. or for any length of time! he stopped napping before he turned 2, as well, and he was easily able to stay up late into the night without passing out. he never seemed to heed any warning i gave. i wondered the same thing about him - is he hyperactive? does he really not understand me? but he's turning 4 now, and he'll happily sit and watch a movie, or play with toys for hours. when i ask him "what did i say?" he'll repeat it back word for word. he's still a boy, and he can still be wild. but that just makes him fun to be with ... and keeps the blood pumping through my heart at an insane rate ;)

your instincts as a parent should never be dismissed. if you feel he might be truly hyperactive, seek your doctor's advice on how to handle him. otherwise, keep up what you've been doing. it will get through with time! good luck!

Answer 5

There is a program called 1 2 3 Magic.

Answer 6

Ah yes, THE TERRIBLE 2s' . Your son sounds like a typical 2 or 3 yr old.Make sure your not giving him too many sweets or caffeinated drinks and a quick swat to the rear seems to work the best. Remember ,"never strike out of anger only to correct and in Proverbs it states"Spare the rod and spoil the child"

Answer 7

You can't tell a 2 year old what to do. You can only tell him what YOU'RE going to do- & stick with THAT no matter how much he fusses. If he's acting up in public, take him to a quiet place- let him scream it out, ask him if he's "done"- & then go back to what you were doing. This WILL take a few tries (& a LOT of pacience), but eventually he'll learn that he's not going to get his way- & act alittle more appropriately. Good luck!

Answer 8

Structure is what your son needs. Also consistency. My son is 6 and has adhd. Be strong and firm and you will see results. Please pick up the book 1,2,3, Magic. It works. Always remember that he is your child and never let others tell you that you are wrong about your feelings. Educate yourself on this disorder and get him to the right resources. Another fantastic book is Power Parenting for children with Add/Adhd. It is a great book about managing difficult behaviors.

Answer 9

Don't make idle threats!! If he throws a fit in public..just leave!! Don't try and reason with him...remember you are the adult he is the child!!! He understands what you say!!