AHHH....My 2 year old is an extremely hyper active child, has the attention?

Question

span of a gnat and doesnt listen unless you scream at him...I dont know what to do, because I am tired of asking him to do something 10 times before he does it...any advice???
Btw, I think his dad has ADD as well even if he was never diagnosed.

Answer 1

He's two...it's normal. He will listen if you get down to his level hold both his hands, look him in the eye, and speak softly. There is no need to scream at him...it will only upset him. All two year olds have short attention spans.

Answer 2

"I run!" is my little one's favorite phrase right now. But that's pretty much the average two-year-old. Think about it: As a toddler, you just figured out that you can do things like run and jump! It's pretty empowering and lots of fun. Now, your job as a parent is to help your child understand limits.

Do you live in an area with a park nearby? Exposure to greenery has been shown to increase attention span and engaged play for children. Taking your child for a walk in the park could do you both good. Try different movements too--running, galloping, little steps, big steps.

I can understand your frustration at home. There might be times when you just want a quiet moment! In the kitchen, I'll spread a towel on the floor, and then put a mixing bowl with a little water on top, along with a wire whisk and some other fun but safe tools. Water play is so engaging that kids can't help but quiet down and focus.

Also, be proactive with your parenting. Think about where his trouble spots are and get down at his level and talk about them. Mine likes to walk in stores, but will try to run away. So before I put him down, I kneel down and say, making eye contact: "Hold Mommy's hand." If he drops my hand or squirms away, I pick him right up, remind him of the rule, and then see if he wants to take another try. It takes practice and a lot of patience. Some kids are one-trial learners; others are ten-trial learners!

Toddlers are so much fun. Enjoy this stage with your child.

Answer 3

Screaming at a 2 year old means he has won and you have lost control of the situation. To get his attention, get down to his level and make him look at you as you tell him what you want him to do. Make it very simple-"pick up your toys" for example. If he refuses put him in time out then try again until he gets the message that you are serious. It may take you picking up all the toys he refeses to pick up and put them where he can see them but not able to reach them to play with them. It requires consistency and a low toned voice-rather than screaming at him in frustration.

Answer 4

Yep, that is a typical 2 year old. Try to make it a game. Get him to pick up his toys, for example, by singing a put your toys away song and helping him. At this age he will not understand why you are screaming so you are just stressing yourself.

Answer 5

Honey, two year olds are like this!

Have you tried watching his diet and cutting out the additives and e-numbers?
You probably have but this is what my sister was like as a baby, until my mom realised that E110 set her off, and also orange juice.

And the other answers before me said what I was going to about getting to his level and talking softly-just remember to have a little...a lot of...patience.

You will get through this.

Answer 6

HE IS 2 FOR HEAVENS SAKE! HE IS GOING TO HAVE THE ATTENTION SPAN OF A GANT. I work with kids every week, and beleve me every 2 year old is like this.

Answer 7

You don't ask him to do things, you TELL him, and you damn well better mean it so he knows.

Answer 8

Please don't put him on the add meds. My nephew is on them and he can't eat. he is so pitiful.