Child in Perpetual Motion

[Anonymous]

There is a child in DC's class that is in seemingly perpetual motion. She bounces (literally). It is hard to talk to her. She bounces when she walks, talks, just about anything. She is not a baby, obviously. Is this a sign of something? It is distracting.

[Anonymous]

Just a high-energy kid, I would guess. I could use some more of that--help me shed the baby weight...

[Anonymous]

How old is she? This is much more normal if shes 22 mos. than if she's 11 years old.

[Anonymous]

Who is it distracting to? You or your child? Why are you wondering if it is a sign of something?

signed - Parent of another child who is perpetually in motion

[Anonymous]

Not that this is necessarily the case, but a friend's kid was similarly over-active and he was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder. It took them awhile to realize that he wasn't just really, REALLY energetic; she was almost relieved when they figured it out and they could get him into treatment.

Might have absolutely nothing to do with this kid, though. maybe the kid drinks soda for breakfast?

[Anonymous]

I am confused as to why you care?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a child in DC's class that is in seemingly perpetual motion. She bounces (literally). It is hard to talk to her. She bounces when she walks, talks, just about anything. She is not a baby, obviously. Is this a sign of something? It is distracting.

Um, why do you care? Are you saying it's distracting to the class and interfering with your child's eduction or something? Because I have to tell you, the whole attitude of "is this is sign of something" simply because she behaves differently and/or annoys you is really obnoxious and none of your business.

[Anonymous]

My 3yo DS is like this (although definitely in the normal range so we don't suspect any sensory problems) and he just has alot of energy. He is quite enthusiatic about everything and rarely sits still. He runs, jumps, bounces, dances, rolls on the floor, stands up to eat, etc. I'll tell you one thing, it's exhausting for the parents but also alot of fun to be so active. I doubt it's a sign of anything wrong with the child in DC's class.

[Anonymous]

Why do you care? Just because he is different than yours doesn't mean it's a problem. Maybe you should keep your kid at home if you can't handle diverse behaviors. Especially if he isn't hurting anyone. You sound like a mess.

[Anonymous]

A mess? You sound rather dramatic, PP. Get some help and stop being so defensive.

OP here. I ask because the child is 6, not a baby. So the ones that are defensive must have a reason, clearly. Maybe you could be productive in your responses so the child can get the help she needs? What a concept.

[Anonymous]

Yikes, Op...you gave practically no information in your original post so of course people are going to assume whatever they want!

What makes you think that the child "needs help"? Is this child interfering with you child in a negative manner? Are you being sarcastic when you ask what is wrong with her? She could have mild CP. She could have ADHD. Most likely...she is a bubbly and vibrant child who adds diversity and intrigue to her environment.

[Anonymous]

If you really want to help, why don't you ask the teacher? If it is a real concern then the teacher probably already knows or has talked to the parents. I doubt that you are the only one who has noticed it. But I don't understand why you find it distracting since you aren't in the classroom all day. Is this taking attention away from your DS?

[Anonymous]

What is CP?

If the teacher doesn't think it bothers anyone, she won't address it.

Age 6 sounds a little old to be doing this, however. Isn't it better, for the child's sake (gasp!) that this be addressed sooner rather than later? Maybe it is nothing, and that is fine, but isn't it better to know? Or is it better to be blissfully ignorant and wait for teachers to tell you it is worse than it had to be, had it been addressed much earlier? The answer is pretty obvious.

Are PP's happier living under a rock? THAT is indeed the "MESS"!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is CP?

If the teacher doesn't think it bothers anyone, she won't address it.

Age 6 sounds a little old to be doing this, however. Isn't it better, for the child's sake (gasp!) that this be addressed sooner rather than later? Maybe it is nothing, and that is fine, but isn't it better to know? Or is it better to be blissfully ignorant and wait for teachers to tell you it is worse than it had to be, had it been addressed much earlier? The answer is pretty obvious.

Are PP's happier living under a rock? THAT is indeed the "MESS"!

If the teacher thinks the child has ADHD (or SPD), I can assure you that she'll address it with the child's parents. In fact, if the child's behavior is extreme enough for another parent to notice, I'd bet you that it has already been discussed, probably months ago. Teachers are very aware of children's development and are very often the first to address issues. It happens all the time.

I am not a fan of sarcasm, OP, but I would guess that you got some harsh responses because the answer to your original questions also seems pretty obvious and it is hard for many to believe that you didn't already have one in mind--making people wonder why you are asking at all.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids like this. Nothing wrong with them. The 4 yo has mellowed, finally. The 2 yo is still constantly running around and getting into things. I think it is unfair to label them as having a problem. Both my kids also walked very early...they clearly have a ton of energy. Should I think there is something wrong with a kid who walks at 12 months?! Kids are different. Stop labeling normal behavior as pathological, please. And throw some sympathy towards parents with high energy kids because they have cosmic exhaustion!