HELP I Live in a ZOO!!

D.,
My 5 year old girl is the SAME WAY! And like you, I thought she may have ADHD. I brought it to her do doctor's attention and she asked if she had problems at school and I said, "No. Not at all. She listens well and is very smart." So, her doctor said that it's NOT ADHD...when she gets home from school she's full of energy because basically she's had to behave and listen all day, so that energy has been brewing all day! So, she suggested that we safely, and with some fun, release that energy at home. If its nice, let them run around outside and play. One day she came home all wound up, so I turned the stereo on pretty loud and played some fun music and we danced together for about 10 minutes or so! It was a lot of fun, and really helped relieve that energy! Don't worry, you have normal kids with lots of energy! And that's GOOD! Have some fun with him when he gets home and you'll notice that it helps you too! GOOD LUCK!

Yes! Keep in mind that little boys are very different than little girls... Boys need an outlet to release all the engergy they have bottled up from sitting in class. When he gets home, perhaps have him go outside and run around... or sign him up for Karate after school..anything to release that energy. Make sure at school he's not skipping recess... I would not start to think he has ADD just yet.. he just a little boy with LOTS of engergy. Be creative... wear him out! And yes... you do have a GREAT job :-)

Hi D.,

Yikes! I know how stressful that kind of behavior can be. I'd do two things for a couple of weeks before pursuing anything along the lines of ADHD. One is make sure he is getting about 11 hours of sleep a night. The second is to look at what he is eating. Try to eliminate any sugar and other things like processed foods. Not an easy task in this day and age.

Is this new behavior for him or have you been suspecting he is extra high energy? I know a great website that has good info on ADHD and education. www.BrightSolutions.us

Also, Mercola.com has good articles about natural treatments for ADHD. Good quality fish oil (they are not all created equal.) makes a big difference with my son.

Good Luck!

L. C

i have 3 boys... 1 has add 1 has adhd(actually my step-son)and the middle one, as you probably guessed is "normal." i like you, wanted to avoid labels and meds. untili decided to do whatever it takes to help, even if it doesn't settle well with me. i really think your son is pretty young,however, theoretically, he could start showing symptoms. one thing to watch for,as far as the hyperactivity part goes,is logic. a "normal" child would think..."hmmm, i could probably jump through that glass door right there..." a child with adhd would do it. just for example. one of the things i have learned is a very calming thing (even for adults) is to apply gentle but firm pressure on the top of his/her head straight down.kinda "decompressurizes"all the nerve endings in your neck. i commend you for paying attention and not being afraid to reach out, even just for questioning. this is how we are helpful to our own families and one another. seriously, i'm with everyone else,wear his little booty out!God bless.

With your son who is in Kindergrarten you say he gets home and bounces off the walls. It made me think of my daughter when she's very tired. The more tired she is, the more wound up she gets. Maybe a short cat-nap for your son after school will help with his extra energy?

ADD is basically distraction by wandering, or daydreaming
ADHD is jumping from one task to another and lots of extra energy.

The Spirited Child.....I think that's the title, is a pretty good book.