Terrible twos, threes, or ADHD?

Question

My son turns three next month and it seems his terrible twos are getting worse instead of better. He hits, throws things, and throws the most unbelievable temper tantrums I believe I have ever seen. We put him in timeout after warning him that his behavior is unacceptable. But after a hug and apology we are right back to where we started. I have read the symptoms of ADHD in toddlers and he has all of them. But I also know that the terrible twos are rough. I thought three would be better. But I seem to be hearing more nos and seeing more defiance everyday. I'm am my wit's end. I don't know what else I can do. My husband thinks he's ADHD, I don't know what to do. Anyone out there with some suggestions or a similar sitution.

Answer 1

The "terrible twos" can start anywhere from 15 months to 3 years. My son is 19-months-old and already started about a month ago. Temper tantrums, throwing, hitting etc. Everything you described. My thought is please don't jump to the ADHD thing too fast. So many normal, active children are drugged up because their parents don't recognize normal childlike behavior. I'm glad you're asking here for some advice. My thought is to talk to your child's doctor. Most doctors will tell you that the child is fine and you'll have to plow through. Keep consistent with your requirements for behavior and your schedule and you should see things continue to improve. My mother told me that when I was young, if ADD had existed, I would have been one of those drugged up kids. I was high maintenance for sure at times, but I've grown up to be a wonderfully functioning drug-free adult. One child doctor is calling kids like your son "high functioning" where he is sensitive and very active and over stimulation or being over tired can bring on crabby behavior. I'd just chat with your doc or nurse. (Sorry this rambled)

Answer 2

Terrible Twos Threes

Answer 3

Terrible two's, three's, four's, five's..... the numbers go on and on untill your son turns 18 and moves out. Just because you have a hyper-active child dosent mean you should blame adhd or add. Imnot saying the diseases dont exist,but i think alot of doctors and parents use it as an excuse for just not enough interaction and bonding. Try spending more time w/ him that does not involve tv or movies, and mabey find a playgroup where he can interact with kids his own age for a few hours a week. This will also give YOU a chance to cue in on how OTHER kids act. You will realize your kid is not the only 2-3 year old that acts like this.

Answer 4

In this day & age, we are so quick to label our kids. Why? B/c OTHER people can't handle it. OTHER people can't stand to see our kids be... well, kids... they have no patience. Thus, the creation of pills were born for ADHD. Just a fancier & easier way for people to control our kids so they don't have to hear them yell or scream. It is part of the growing process. We were children once & at some point we, too, may have thrown tantrums (some more than others).

I have a 2 year old who has been throwing tantrums since before he turned 1 (believe it or not). BUT I have to put a stop to it. There is a reason for each of their "flair ups". And we need to look closely as to why they get frustrated. We, as parents, must get creative, work around our own frustrations and get to thinking.


You need to be consistent. Kids no how to "work us" even very early on. My son sometimes throws his little tantrums, I reprimand him & he thinks by running to me, giving me a hug & kiss and all will be fine! NO! NO! NO! This is your opportunity to make him understand & remember that what he did was wrong & unacceptable.

What's the point of putting your child on "time-out" if he's gonna play you?! And there's nothing wrong w/ a light tap or smack on the hand... people, please.. it's not abuse... kids are testing our limits, testing THEIR limits & we must set the boundaries & the rules... yes, it's okay to allow them to vent but that's when you get your thinking cap & get creative.. pull their attention away to something more productive & you'll see it'll get better..

ADHD, please...your son (like mine & many others) is perfectly normal...

Answer 5

Well he may still be in the terrible twos stage, but you might want to take him to a doctor, and find out for sure he has ADHD, One thing you can try to do (If you are comfortable with it) is to give him a spanking if he throws his toys, and a bad temper, and then put him in time-out by standing him in the corner with his nose touching the wall for about 5 minutes. It can be very hard to discipline kids today.

Answer 6

its a bit early to label him as ADHD. its good that you all are reading up trying to find out what is going on. in my experience, this may actually be a phase. as long as he can talk well, that rules out autism (which can show the same signs). if he's an only child, it isnt for attention, unless you and his father are going thru some things and not paying as much attention to him. i had that happen with myself, we were both laid off and about to be in serious financial trouble, and my daughter sensed that and acted out for attention. dont think you are bad parents, you are trying to get an answer and trying very age-appropriate discipline. also, try dr. phils site. he always has some great ideas on that. good luck!

Answer 7

First of all, STOP giving him sugar! It's truly amazing what sugar can do to children. He needs good healthy food.
Next, he's a boy and boys are supposed to be more active than girls. The problem with their 'activness' is doctors and teachers will say it's ADHD - NOT! The teachers just do not know how to deal with inquisitive active boys. All the teachers, and doctors, want to do is drug them until they are wimps.
Stop the sugar and watch for behavior changes.

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

This is a great question, and one that made me curious for quite a while.

Answer 10

I think so