I'm looking for some advice about how to help my exuberant, lovable five-year-old son become more in control of his body. He is very high energy, although he can sit and concentrate on looking at books and drawing for a good length of time. At school, he has been bothering his classmates by hugging, grabbing, and putting his arms around them (not in an aggressive way). At home, I am constantly telling him to keep his hands (and body) to himself as he hits, pushes, squashes, and rolls over on his little brother constantly. It seems he is in one time-out after another for this reason. I'm concerned that his younger brother, who is a gentle and mild-mannered little guy, is starting to imitate these behaviors. He will start at a new school next year, so I really want to help him gain more self-control before then. Any ideas (or reassurance that he will grow out of this) are appreciated!
It may be a sensory issue. Follow this link and scroll down to hypo sensitivity and take a look at the check list...see what you think. If it rings any bells for you, you can talk to your ped. about getting an OT evaluation. Lots of kids get help this way, once their parents find out what's goig on.
adding link:
http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-proces...
Hi M.,
It can be difficult. I have 9 year old daughter who is similiar. They have difficulty with boundaries, don't understand the concept of body space and have little insight into how they are affecting others around them.
I will say my daughter has gotten better with age, but, she still is who she is and frequently gets over excited and wants to hug or chat up a friend who is feeling overwhelmed by her. Her feelings do get hurt and I feel bad. I have tried to remind her that her friends like her that they just need their space and she is beginning to get it.
I would be sure to give your son lot's of physical outlets for his energy. My daughter participates in gymnastics and skating. (she does best in individual sports) although she does play softball in the spring. This seems to relieve some stress and calms her a bit.
Best of wishes.
J. L.
I can't say I've found a perfect solution because we are still struggling with this ourselves (with my 7-year old boy - same issues). But some things help: LOTS of physical activity to run off that enery (we play "Mother May I" or "Simon Says" in the house when it's too cold to run outside - the games help him focus on my words while also controlling his body - e.g. hopping on one foot, doing 20 jumping jacks, etc.; or we put on music and dance - I'll have him march in time to the music or some other movement he has to coordinate with the music); maybe try a class like Tae Kwando where he has to learn some physical discipline; also, we are trying Omega 3/DHA supplements (fish oil) because this is also supposed to help calm them down - and I try to limit sugar and junk food.
I absolutely love the discipline book and the successful child book by Dr. Sears. A lot of the main focus points are available to read at askdrsears.com
