What am I to do with a very hyper-active son? Is it normal for him to be this off the wall?

Question

I am a proud mother of 3 children. My boys are very active but, my oldest son is very off the wall! He is overly active to the extreme and extremely sneaky in the very worst way! I am afraid that he is going to have to be medicated in order to control his tendencies. He has already accidently harmed one of his siblings due to his not listening and a number of things...some not to be put on him but, I am afraid of my son's anger problem and his natural way to resolve situations-violence. I am so mild mannered and I try and teach my kids manners and they say mam and thank you and cover their mouths when they sneeze and they are 5&6. Where did I go wrong and what can I do to remedy this problem?

Answer 1

ADHD has a lot to do with brain chemicals. It is NOT a bad parenting thing.

You may need to have him evaluated by a psychologist. Medication is not always a bad thing. I wouldn't recommend it for everyone but it sounds like your little one really needs it. The key is that he is much worse than your other children. If he has already harmed another child by accident, imagine how badly he feels about that. Sometimes a little medication is preferable to a lifetime of him thinking he is no good.

Try to have a strict routine for him to follow so he will be able to predict what is to come. Encourage some quiet time each day. Maybe rocking him or patting his back if he'll let you. Listening to soft music is also helpful.

Very likely that this is not his fault or yours. So don't stress over it. Try to see what makes him better or worse. Could be allergies or certain activities. Some kids do better in low light so might try that.

Please speak to your doctor about this. There is help for you and your son.

Answer 2

I am no fan of medication for children. I think it is needed in some cases, but it is WAY over used. Understand first, that boys will be active, and even hyper at times. Your son may simply be at the more extreme edge of what is "normal" boy behavior.

Adjust his diet and insure adaquate rest. This will make a difference, as others have already stated.

Limit things that build hyperactivity. I have to wonder how much TV he watchs, or how much time is spent playing video games. Children's entertainment today is geared at such a rapid pace, that we are creating hyperactivity in children by training their brains to jump from thing to thing every few seconds. Look for some calmer things - like sitting and reading for a short time, or practicing a musical instrument. You may gradually build the time spent at one sitting.

And find productive things to channel is energy into. Sports or martial arts are great for this.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I have learned with my sons that the best remedy for hyper-activity and irritability is sleep. Kids under the age of 8 need at least 10 hours of sleep per night. Their growing brains need a lot of rest and time to regain energy. When they are chronically over-tired, they will be little dragons.

This may be a little sensitive to some parents; however, kids under 8 and reaaly up to about 12 years old need to be in bed by 8:00 and up by 7:00. If these habits are not in place now, it will take some time to establish them. But, it's well worth the effort.

That is a shot in the dark for your family, but it works great for mine.

Answer 4

Medication should be a last resort. Have you discussed the situation with your child's doctor? I would start with getting a referral to a professional who can help the family as a unit. Until you've tried everything the doctor recommends I wouldn't resort to medication. Why drug a child if hard work would solve the problem?

Answer 5

I have a 3 year old daughter & I worry about her being hyper active also. Because my husband was medicated for ADHD when he was younger. I don't want to medicate my daughter. But I do know there are certain foods they say can help alter their behavior. You may want to do a little research on the web. Good Luck!

Answer 6

do your boys have a Dad in the family? Children pattern themselves after their same sex parent. Does anyone in their life act out in anger and violence? I definitely would talk to the pediatrician and ask for a psychiatric evaluation to get to the source of the problem and find a solution.

Answer 7

My son is was very similar. Believe it or not, diet plays a great role in it, especially mood. My son is on a strict low sugar diet. No sugar is impossible, as fruits, etc.. have natural sugars. He is noticeably less impulsive and irritable. The symptoms are DEFINITELY not gone, but definitely improved. Just some food for thought!

Answer 8

quit blaming yourself you did nothing wrong. i would take him to the pediatrian and let him know what is going on he will probally refer you to someone who deals with hyperactive children and they can run tests and get him regulated he may need meds but he would be under the care of a physician in many cases it really does help and you would have a happier child the reason he is angry i bet is because he is frustrated with himself. they are bright children they just need to be slowed down they think faster than they can react if that makes sense, good luck you have every right to be a proud mom!!!!

Answer 9

Maybe you could help him find ways to burn off some of his excess energy - gymnastics classes, karate, etc. At home you may try getting a mini trampoline if you have a place to put it & when you feel he is getting angry or seems really hyper have him jump for 5 minutes. Good luck!

Answer 10

It's hard to answer a question like this not really being in the situation but I would recommend counseling then maybe meds I know not many parents like meds but you need to think of the safety of the other children........you don't have to give so much medicine that he will be a zombie