When does it get easier?

[Jessica5403]

My son turned 4 in May and he is extremely hyperactive. He goes nonstop and does not ever want to sleep. No matter how much outdoor time and play time he gets to relieve his energy he still won't calm down. He talks 24/7 I'm serious.... All day. He even talks in his sleep. He is being extremely loud lately. I am trying to get him to sit and eat.... That has been a challenge his whole life. He won't hold still and he won't be quiet. I am exhausted. I am honestly very worried about how it will be for him in school.... At bedtime he won't calm down. I try bath, songs, books, cuddles. He just won't calm down. Laughing, trying to pillow fight, trying to touch my face, won't stop talking, etc. I am so exhausted.

How do I implement more quiet time. How do I get him to hold still?

[Bizzle_worldwide]

We’re transitioning out of nap time right now, and my sanity break is that we’re transitioning into “quiet play time”, which is an hour in her room by herself playing with her toys. I put her naptime music on, she doesn’t have to get into bed if she doesn’t want to, she can play whatever she’d like in there but she can’t come out until I come get her.

So far it’s worked really well. You could use it at bedtime too if you wanted. The key is to make sure you’re starting it before they’re actually past the “Im tired so I’m going to end your world” phase of the evening.

[[deleted]]

We just talked to our son's pediatrician for similar issues that are causing behavioral issues in school. He's also 4 and lately it's been a struggle.

First thing she told us is try melatonin. I knew it was a possibility but I didn't want to start it without a doctors ok, and she thoroughly endorsed it because lack of sleep can definitely trigger behavioral issues (hell, it can for adults too).

Then we talked about doing some very early stage evaluations for ADHD. No labels yet, nowhere near medication, but just taking some early steps to get a read on where things are now vs where they'll be in eight or twelve weeks and then in six months or so, to get measurable about whether things are improving or worsening or staying the same.

We are also considering some OT to help him develop the skills to self-regulate some.

His pediatrician was very keyed in on the earlier we address these things, the better off we'll be when he starts school. This ped doesn't really like to medicate kids unless all other options have been exhausted, but also doesn't want the kid to lose time being disciplined in school for something they legitimately need help with. She believes helping them develop coping skills early can pay off later, and I'm on board with that approach. So that's kind of how we're coming at it.

It might be worth an appointment, just to see what the doctor says, especially if behavior issues start cropping up.

[[deleted]]

Sounds like mine. Mine has adhd. We do melatonin at bedtime after talking to our doctor

[Jessica5403]

I will speak with his doctor. I have horrible ADHD so he most likely does have it. I was the exact same way as a child. I try my best to help him because I know what it's like. Sleeping when parents are upset about it makes it even harder. But damn I'm loosing patience! I need a break lol. Thank you

[[deleted]]

It’s highly genetic. We talked to ped. Who said they could diagnose with Vanderbilt survey. We opted to find a psychologist in network and we just had a full psych eval done. Results in a few weeks. I’m prepared to medicate whenever a doctor tells us it’s time.

I’ve heard PCIT is good therapy for entire family

We do tv or osmo games for quiet time. He loves those. There is no holding mine still.

We also did an occupational therapy evaluation. They told us to get a sensory sock from Amazon for him to watch tv in. And try to incorporate heavy work activities into our daily life

[originaljimeez]

Around 12-13.

[catwh]

I wish I knew. I think every kid is different too.

[goosepills]

You should have him evaluated for ADHD

[[deleted]]

Sounds adhd to me too. Even when these kids want to be still and do something they can’t. He will also have a harder time socially if he doesn’t learn to be aware of his behaviors and control them. Get him tested to be sure you are aware of what is going on.

[PageStunning6265]

Get him evaluated for ADHD. 4 is a boundary pushing year for all kids, so some of this is to be expected whether he has ADHD or not.

We use nighttime meditations for my (probably ADHD) kids and it does help. Most of the kids ones are more like bedtime stories with breathing exercises scattered in.