My 3 year old son very hyper....?

Question

I have noticed and have been told on numerous occasions by teachers, family, etc. that my son is extremely hyper. I know that all toddlers have some sort of hyperactivity at this age and it's normal, but my son never sits still. Even when he's sitting/standing he bounces.

My son's pediatrician has explained to me that it's normal blah blah but he see's him for 5 min every few months. I am concerned because his father suffers from ADD and I was diagnosed early with Bipolar disorder. I don't want to put my son on medication on such an early age which I know will happen if I take him to a psychiatrist. I don't want my son to be "labeled" like I was. I lived through my disease and never thought I was "normal" because my parent's always took me to doctor's who labeled me.

My son is happy now and that is my main concern. What about later though? I am worried about his future. Anyone going through similar problem?

Thank you to everyone that answered. There were many of you that had very helpful answers that I can't pick myself. So I will let everyone else vote. Thanks again!

Answer 1

After reading what others shared with you I think you got a lot of good information. The one thing I would like to emphasize is the reaction to preservatives. It can be difficult trying to find out what has preservatives but it really makes a difference with some children. There are so many food products that are what we consider everyday foods but if they're packaged they have some kind of preservatives in them. One thing you could try is to keep a journal of the foods he is having so after a week or two you can look back to try to see a pattern. That might help you pin point the things that aggravate his behavior. The thing that makes this so important is that a child that is driven by reactions from foods could eventually think of himself as a bad child because he is always getting into trouble. You don't want him to think of himself as a bad person because he always gets in trouble. Some children will just accept that as who they are and give up wanting to please you. Good Luck

Answer 2

My son has ADHD and is on Medication. I fought it as long as I could thinking he's happy and I can handle him. But no one else could and it was a major blow to his self confidence.

He started meds at 4 1/2 years old the the difference was astounding! We ping ponged around with different medication unitl we found the best one for him (Foclin). From a school aspect he has to be one. I feel bad for the little guy but with out it he cant focus or learn. I wish I would have listened sooner and started him earlier. He is still a year behind socially because of the wait.

1 thing that helps greatly and I mean HUGE. Let him nove NO red Dye.... no fruit punch etc. Keep him off that a week and see the difference it makes with ADHD or Hyperactivity. Another thing you can do and it gets costly so just do it as much as you can is to minimize eating things that have preseratives. I dont know why but those 2 things make major differences.

Answer 3

My son was labled ADHD at 6, and the doctor put him on Ritilan, which changed his personality completely. I took him off of Ritilan within 3 days. I then went to an herbalist, and bought a liquid herb tincture for what the Asians call 'Liver Fire'. It costs about $15 for a 30 day supply. An herbalist will know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I saw an AMAZING change in his behaviour within 45 minutes of taking the tincture, for the better. You can find this herb at any herbal market...just ask. Don't fall for the doctors labeling your son. Also...DO NOT feed him almonds...they cause MAJOR hyperactivity. Cut back on the sugar also. Caffiene has the opposite effect on ADD and ADHD...instead of bringing them up, it calms them down. Try a green tea...just dilute it a bit, and use honey instead of sugar. He is old enough for honey. Spread the word that honey should NEVER BE GIVEN TO AN INFANT UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE!!! It can cause infant botulism.

Good luck!

Answer 4

There are tons of support groups for parents that may or maynot have ADD or ADHD kids and do not want to use medications.
I do not agree with medication at such a young age either. I would search for alternative options and start them early so that they can be a stable situation for your son in the future.

Answer 5

I have a 3 yr old son as well that is also hyper and bouncing ALL the time. As long as your son is happy right now, as is mine, I would not want to put him on medication. Maybe later on in his life, if he starts to have problems learning, getting along with other, etc. you might want to talk to the doctor then and see what option you have. Right now, just let him be wild though :)

Answer 6

my son the same way onething you can do is don,t give him a lot sweets it makes them worse.try it you will see especially at bedtime he will be up all night.