What should I do in regards to my 3 yr old daughter?

Question

My 3 year old daughter since I can remember has been so hiper active from the moment she wakes up until the time she goes to bed, everyone tells me to change her diet but she doesnt eat hardly anything now and have tried all kinds of different deciplinary things and still nothing has changed...ADD and ADHD runs in our families and I think she may have one or the other but my mother forbids me to take her to her dr and have her put on something...So now I'm lost and I'm very ill and cant go on like this any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Answer 1

I'm sorry but this is YOUR child. Do what you need to do, not what your mother tells you. My husband has ADHD and his medicine has helped greatly. He says he only wishes he would have taken it sooner. I have also read that children with ADD who do not take their medicine have a harder time making and keeping friends just because they are so hyper and compulsive. Please talk to your doctor. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I agree with the previous posts about going to the doctor. Ask about allergies, because many people react to certain foods by becoming more excitable. Even though you say she doesn't eat much, she must be eating SOMETHING and that could be affecting her. Lots of people are allergic to wheat or soy, which are both in many common foods.

Also, while she's at the doctor, you can ask about alternatives to medications if she might possibly have ADHD. I think three years old is pretty young to put on medication, unless there is a very severe problem, and your doctor should be able to give you some other solutions.

You didn't say how old you are. If you are under 18, I can see why your mother would be helping you to make decisions about your child. However, if you are a legal adult, then you do have the right to make whatever choices you want for your child.

Two more pieces of advice... first, see if you can give your daughter an outlet for some of her excess energy. If money isn't an issue, you could sign her up for classes (gymnastics, dance, etc.) Or you could take her to the park or just put on some music so she can dance in her bedroom.

And finally, please take care of yourself! I am a preschool teacher and a mom, so I know how exhausting high energy kids can be. You need to find some time for yourself so that you can rest. Hopefully your mom or other friends or family members will help you with this.

Good luck!

Answer 3

My son has PDD and ADHD. You have to listen to your gut and do whats right for your child. YOU are the mother. Take her to the doctor and get her evaluated now if you can. Most of the time the doctors won't evaluate until they are of school age but my son was diagnosed at 3 because he was in preschool and was very disruptive. I've tried everything from dietary changes (Feingold diet) to herbal supplements. Now he has been on Ritalin for a month and nothing but glowing reports ffrom his teacher. He's on a very low dosage that only lasts during school (by the time he's getting off the bus you can tell it's no longer in his system) and we don't put him on it on the weekends. He just needs that extra help during school to help him be the best and reach his full capabilities that I know he can reach. Good luck.

Answer 4

I have a 5 year old daughter who is a bit hyper, but I noticed this behaviour after she eats foods that may have additives. Of course, caffiene, which is in soda and chocolate, really adds to this hyperactivity.
Whatever you do, do NOT spank your child. This hurts her and does no good. In fact, it will probably make her not only hyper but violent also and she'll hate you 20 years from now.
As far as taking her to the doctor, I think you should even if your mother does not agree. After all you are the mother of this child, so do what needs to be done and that is to have a trained physician examine and evaluate your daughter and her behaviour.
Hope this helps.
LM

Answer 5

Honey, first thing right off the top. YOU not your mother is in charge of your daughter. You are the parent here. If you believe that your daughter would benefit from a visit to your doctor, then make that appointment and stick to it no matter what grandma says. ADD and ADHD are nothing to be ashamed of. Many children (not to mention adults) suffer these afflictions. Anymore medicating is not always the doctors first course of action, but you need to see that doctor. Good luck!

Answer 6

It's not the amount of food that she eats, it is the amount of sugar. My son use to run in circles for hours with just one cookie. Try taking all sugary items (including cereal) out of the house. Limit fruit it contains sugar. Then try giving her some exercise, like take her to the park. The other thing, if you can afford it, is start her at preschool or nursery school, it will give you a break. It doesn't have to be every day, even three days a week will seem like a blessing.

Answer 7

I don't personally believe in medicating every child BUT there are certainly exceptions. If her behavior is such that you cannot control her ANY day & it is upsetting you then it's YOUR call whether to take her to the doctor and possibly receive medication. She is not the one that takes care of her every day - you are! I have a 6 year old son that is on 5 different medication from his psychiatrist & honestly if he were not on those medications he would probably be institutionalized - he certainly could not go to school every day like he does now. Good luck to you!

Answer 8

#1...why is your mother telling you what to do with YOUR daughter????

#2...if there was something different with your daughter, wouldn't you want to know what it is and how to help her control it??? you don't have to put her on anything, there are other methods.

#3...diet is the biggest part of how your children behave. you didn't say what she does eat, and becuase of that i'm going to assume that you don't give her a very healthy diet becuase you know she wont eat certain things.
if a child is hungry, they will eat what you give them.
you should take her to the dr, just to see what he has to say. you don't have to do anything you don't want to, but you should be making sure that your child is healthy and happy.

Answer 9

Take her to the Doctor before this condition takes over your life. As her mother you owe it to her to see that she gets the attention and medication she needs in order to live a happy healthy life. You are her mother not anybody else do what's right for the child.

Answer 10

If it runs in your family; then she definitely needs to be seen by a Dr. As far as your mother------- who is your daughters mother? You or your mother! If your old enough to have a child; then you should be responsible enough to make important decisions about your child's health.