I have a 7 yr old boy, that is very energetic. What about ADHD or ADD?

Question

My little boy has alot of energy, but his paternal grandparents want me to have him tested for ADHD or ADD. I think he is just being a boy, but they are pushing me to put him on medicine. What should I do? And please be serious, I am truly worried about this. I have seen what those medicines can do to some kids.

Answer 1

Don't do it if all your instincts are telling you not to, your his mom! you know him the best! do what you think is best, don't worry, he probably being a rambunctious little boy! Good luck sweetie

Answer 2

I too had a very energetic boy and later his sister. My first child was CALM. I was once told about a "test" you can do at home, because like you I was concerned about the same thing with my son. Can your child sit and watch a television show that he really enjoys? Can he sit and play a video game? Can he play a board game? If he can do any or all of these and the common denomination for all of these activities is Can he sit and do something for longer that 5 minutes.....chance are better that he does not have ADHD or ADD.
I hope things work out that he fine and just rambunctious, but if it is not the case, have him checked and let NO ONE push you into medicating him. But do keep an open mind, meds may be the way to go. Only you and his Dr. should be involved in this decision.

Answer 3

There's a difference between an energetic boy and a child who suffers from ADHD/ADD. Does he have a focus problem? How does he do in school? Can he sit still? Doesn't hurt to have him checked out, but he doesn't have to go on medicine if he has either, there are other ways to deal with. Medicine is usually a last resort in extreme cases where the child's behavior problems severely effect family.Best luck.

I wouldn't worry too much, he's probably just being a kid, if you're not sure have him checked to be safe.

Answer 4

If you really want to help him do this. Take all the dyed foods, cereal, snacks and anything that has color added, especially the obvious ones like cereal. Take away all caffeine soda, tea, whatever. Take away all sugar...this may cause a stir and it might be h*ll for a while but it needs to be done. Don't feed him any processed foods like hot dogs, bologna, packaged ham and meats. Buy fresh fruit and veggies. Peel, cut and slice and put in containers in the fridge so it is handy for him to get to. He can have sourcream, dip made with seasonings that he likes. Also, make a fruit dip out of plain yogurt and a little vanilla flavoring or fresh frozen strawberries, chopped in a blender.
Get a small blender and let him make frozen slushes from bananas that you freeze in halves at peak ripeness and a couple of strawberries and some yogurt, or plain vanilla ice cream or a little milk. He can eat cheese, whole wheat crackers, oatmeal, not the quick kind. The other cooks just about as fast, maybe a minute more and add a little brn. sugar if you must and raisins. Whatever he likes. Even banannas. But try to get all the dyes, caffeine and suggary foods out of his system. If this makes a difference in 2-3 weeks you should notice some change keep it up and try taking out motre and more. Cook what he likes that isn't like that in large portions and freeze it in containers for him. he can have taco's salads, pita pocket sandwiches with veggies and some cubed grilled chicken or steak or hamburger. Then go to Nutrition Express web site and type in kids formulas, they have vitamins without dyes, they also have a natural calms forte for children with herbs that calm children down. This is all better than drugs. If it works, you will make everyone happy and pretty soon they may help you with the preperation of his food. good luck.

Answer 5

Don't listen to any one who tells you to put your 7yr old boy on meds boys are hyper anyway plus every one has a little ADHD in them. What you need to do is let him play outside let his energy run out. I also have an energetic 7 year old boy he doesnt need meds he just needs to let his energy get loose some where else and before going to bed give him a warm bath and a glass of milk that will do the trick and no desrespect but their old and they can't put up with energetic kids

Answer 6

All 7 year olds are energetic. Is he having problems at school, focusing and staying on task? Does he follow directions at home with little problems? Only you know by being with him all the time, if you feel there might be a problem that needs looked into. Even if you do decide to get him tested, you do not have to agree to put him on medication. Tell them you are opposed to medication and that you want to explore alternative methods of treatment, if they do indeed find that he does have a disorder. Good luck.

Answer 7

All little boys have alot of energy, just because he is nonstop doesn't mean he has ADHD. Trust me, I have a child with ADHD. And the things to look for are the inability to concentrate, and focus. Being easily distracted, easily angered or frustrated, because he doesn't "get it" when working on school work. Having alot of energy is just being a kid. Go with your gut, you know your child better then anyone else on earth.....

Answer 8

STOP right there. Do not let grandparents, other parents, teachers, etc coerse you into what they think you should do over the health of your child. Your son could have ADD or ADHD, is his grades suffering? Does he have a hard time concentrating? Don't think you have to get him on medication if he does have this. Talk to his doctor and you and the doctor come up with how you will treat it IF he has it.

Answer 9

leave the child alone and next time tell those grand parents
to go to hell
children are suppose to be energy (it mean you are feeding him well) just cut in the sugar,
and don't let people label your child the med that is giving for ADHD or ADD HAVE very bad side effect
I know a friend of mine son stop growing and have a tick (his arm go up and down and his wrinks because of these meds)
look just read about it before you get your child label
and again tell the grands to butt out
I have 3 boys when they stop running and playing
I take them to the emergency room if the doc tell me everything is ok I go to the pharmacy and buy them vitamins
Good Luck

Answer 10

try cutting out refined sugars and more vitamin B, I've seen that work on many kids. Is he acting up in class? Ask the teacher if he can have more breaks to run around, I had ADD as a child and I was never medicated. Back then, teachers understood that children can't sit for hours!

Answer 11

I raised 2 boys. And they were all boy, by this i mean energetic. This is normal. I two had people telling me they need medicated. People need to understand boy will be boys, medication is not always the answer. or a quick fix. fine a outlet for their energy. sports, outside activities, let them run and play. unless it affect their school work or the class. NO need to worry.