My Five Year Old Is Acting Very Hyper

K., Welcome to summer vacation with children! There are many, many others in the same boat as you :)

First, your son's meds: yes, asthma meds definitely can make you hyper. I am over 30 and even one puff of my inhaler can give me the shakes and send my heart racing (I don't have to use it very often thank goodness). It sounds like your son has what my daughters have - colds/sinus induced asthma. It can also be called RAS - reactive airway syndrome. Take note of what triggers the colds/sinus issues and jump on them with OTC meds ASAP. If my girls start with the post-nasal drip (drainage down the throat) an asthmatic cough is sure to follow, so I dose with Benadryl and/or Sudafed right away. Works great! Last spring during allergy season they were on Sudafed for weeks, but it's better and cheaper than inhalers and Rx meds. Good luck controlling this - the good news is that he can grow out of it!

Second, tell your kids to go play! My mom used to kick us outside almost daily when we were kids. Of course, depending on the weather you may not be able to that, but banning them to the living room/ play room/ where ever for a few hours never hurts. If your daughter is independent enough to handle her brother's roughhousing (you said she likes to wrestle with him) then let them go. If either gets hurt, explain why they got hurt (You were jumping down the stairs, weren't you? Well, that's why you fell and hurt your knee.), apply ice/ bandage/what ever, and tell them not to do it again. If it was the sibling's fault, immediate apologies are in order. Then, shoo them off to play again. You know your kids are resilient and don't need constant supervision. This will also let them learn to work things out themselves.
Of course, they are 5 and 2, so tailor the above advice to their level. It may take time to get them out of your hair for hours at a stretch. And, sorry, you'll never get everything done that you want. That's just life as a mom!

Finally, I totally agree with Wanda's advice about a kid-free-day swap with a friend. I recently got into such an agreement with a girlfriend of mine and it was GREAT to have four hours to myself! My house was quiet! I was able to cash in a massage certificate I got for Christmas.. or was it my birthday?... I forget! :) Definitely get some time for yourself, and DON'T waste all of it on housework. If it's not during the day, maybe a night out with the girls. You need some grown-up time.
Plus, it can wear out your kids :)
Good luck and hang in there!

I'm in the same boat as you are! Sounds like you have a normal 5 year old with a lot of time on his hands and less imagination. You have to set a schedule and pretty much stick with it. I recommend morning play time with mommy. Spend some time with them in the back yard playing chase or something. My husband just throws a ball at them and they run away trying not to get hit (like 1/2 a dodge ball game). It's silly, but they look forward to it. I only recommend morning, because that is when they are usually the happiest, and therefore you will enjoy them more. Then, have quiet/alone time. Put them in separate rooms and give them something to do. Then maybe have a tv time when you really need the peace to concentrate on something. Then, plan time for something they can do together, and show them how to play - then after a few minutes, walk away, but obviously checking in on them so they know you're still around, etc. Give them chores to do - fold towels, etc. Pick certain jobs that you have to do, but can do slower with their help. Sometimes, I put my kids outside in the backyard and forbid them from just walking in. They have to stay outside for an hour and play or just sit - whatever. They can't stand at the door and cry or knock. They can only knock when it's urgent - I bring them in at one time for water break etc. Then, they have to go back outside. I'm tired of my kids seeming to be bored, beating each other up, and not knowing how to play much less playing together. So, I've decided to force some issues. It's not fun at first, but I've seen it beginning to work. I also have a new catch phrase for the day - make someone else happy today. They're catching on. If you find something that works as well, please pass it along to me because I think I'm going crazy!

Hi K.,
I know it is difficult at times with the kids, especially during the summer months. However, it sounds like you have them pretty busy! I think the key is finding "time out" for you. The meds your son is on, has he been on these meds for awhile? If so, then this is probably not the problem. I don't think the singular is causing him to be hyperactive, but the pulmicort can. These meds are simply to prevent things that trigger his asthma from coming on. I do have a suggestion. Have you ever thought about investing in a Wii game system (you may already have it)? This is a productive game system and is geared for all ages. You can find learning games for him and there are games that he can play and literally act out like he is playing baseball, tennis, boxing, bowling and so forth. You can also participate and have a good time. I do agree with you about the amount of time he spends on games, but the Wii system is more of a benefit then the computer. Another suggestion is to do a mothers day out program, at least once a week. I would keep him on the meds as long as he is doing okay, especially with all the allergens in the air. I would also make sure he is not eating or drinking anything with "red dye." This can make a child very hyperactive. You are just going to have to experiment what sets off his hyperness and was does not. I am pretty sure he does not act this way during a video game. For some reason, kids with high energy levels seem to be more focused when it comes to things that stimulate them. If this makes any sense. Other than that, you sound like you are doing a great job, but need a little, "me" time. Be encouraged!

Definately check with the doctor about the meds and I liked the diet comments, too! Both of these can have very adverse effects on some kids. Then,additionally, you need to set some boundaries or else the kids are going to rule you.

I've been a teacher for 17 years and am a mother to 4 kiddos. I can literally hold the attention of 1,000 kids in an auditorium for a good hour! HOWEVER...when two of my children were adopted at ages 11 years old and 3 years old, that proved to be a whole new challenge. My little guy had not been taught ANY manners, rules, etc. and was VERY hyper. I was just like you...about to pull my hair out or string him up by his little toes. (ha ha! Just kidding!) Every technique that I had always used to set students up for success, had used to raise my other two children by, etc. didn't seem to work on him.

It's taken time and consistancy, but now he's 5 years old, minds very well (the majority of the time...we still have isolated moments)and wants to be my little helper! Set the boundaries and stick to them! "Mommy has to wash the dishes right now, so you have two/three choices. You can color, play toys with your sister... or sit in time out."

Limit his options (you can give him more choices as he starts to listen better) and then stick to it! If he doesn't play by himself/with his sister like you told him to, put him in time out and then go back in 5 minutes and ask if he's ready to play like you told him to. If yes, GREAT! If not... back to time out. Reward and praise the good behavior, but address the behavior(s) that's driving you nuts. Sticker charts rewarding good behavior are awesome tools! Set up a reward system (special ice cream treat after dinner one night, go for a walk/bike ride around the neighborhood for 15 minutes, etc.)Whatever it is that he would like!

With your little girl, she's not too young to set expectations for, either. Again, state what your expectations are, give them their choices and follow through. As challenging as it is, remember YOU are in charge... not them.

The Bible says that children are a heritage from God. The Greek translation of the original word literally means an "assignment" from God! Gives it a whole new perspective, doesn't it!(smile!)Trust that God has made your children wonderfully and that He has given them to you to help shape and mold in order to use them to glorify His holy name. Pray for wisdom... NOT PATIENCE(Trust me on this one!) ... and He will give it to you.

Blessings,
M. Schultze (mommy to four! Ages: 13, 13, 9 and 5)

Dear K.,

I want to ask you one question, how often do they go outside to play? Do you have enough time everyday to take them to the park and go on a late afternoon walk? Physical activity is very crucial at this age. When children are bored or need stimulation they will literaly 'bounce' off the walls to get it. As silly as that sounds if you can stick to some fun physical activities throughout the day and set aside some quite time (for your sanity). I usually take my son out for a walk in the morning for about 30 minutes. Then during the afternoon after lunch we go to the park for an hour or so. This helps him to settle for a nap during the afternoon so I have some quite time. Also, remember to take a break. Let someone else whatch youre children for awhile. For example have your friends watch the kids while you go grocery shopping by yourself. That gives you time to clear your head and enjoying being by yourself overall. Hope I helped you some!

Val

The first thing that comes to mind is to look at his diet. I would slowly eliminate any and all refined sugar and then limit the natural sugars also. My DD is 2 totally different child when surag is in her system. My mom didn't believe me until she gave her a banana for the first time. She said that she could see the exact moment that the banana hit. I don't cut out all natural sugars, but I usually cut the serving size in half. I would look at your everyday foods. You would be surprised at who much sugar is in the juice and other drinks and foods. Red dye is another big trigger for some children. Eliminating sugars eliminated this for us too.
Another suggestion is maybe swappingchildcare services with one of his friend's mothers. Then the boys can go at it, and each of you can have a day to yourselves.
Last, I would ask your husband to give you a night each week. You could go to the library, a coffee shop, or just for a walk. Or he could take the kids to the park or to a movie and you could stay home.
I had to add this. I spoke with my mom today. I told her that I made the mistake of taking cartoons away from my daughteron the day of our move because she was yelling at me, demanding that turn on cartoons. Well, after it comes out of my mouth, I remember that I need cartoons to keep her out of my hair that day. She said, "Yes, you have to be careful about the punishments that you dole out." She said that she would ground my older brother and I for a week but since she could only stand my younger (much more active brother) in the house for a day, that was all that he ever got. LOL. We just thought she liked him better.
Good luck. I hope things get better for you.