Ways to calm down hyperactive/impulsive 4 year old

[Anonymous]

My DC just turned 4 and has early symptoms of ADHD. For the parents who have an ADHD child, how do you calm your DC when s/he is super hyper?

It seem like my DC's school teacher is very intolerant with hyper kids and not equipped nor experienced with a super hyper child. I want to provide some methods or tips for the teacher and myself as well.

[Anonymous]

You might want to consider the Feingold diet (which is eliminating artificial colors, flavorings, additives, etc in processed food) and gluten free diet.
It might take a couple of months before you notice the difference.

[Anonymous]

Redirect that energy toward something appropriate. Running laps around the classroom? Have him do jumping jacks instead. Make sure there's a movement break before circle time/other times that he has to be still. Make sure the school has developmentally appropriate expectations -- all 4 year olds need lots of time for movement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might want to consider the Feingold diet (which is eliminating artificial colors, flavorings, additives, etc in processed food) and gluten free diet.
It might take a couple of months before you notice the difference.

I second this. DS was a tough toddler and preschooler and I was sure he would later have ADHD. It changed drastically with the diet. Other parents comment on how well behaved and focused he is. It doesn't work for everyone but it is worth a try. Just be sure to follow it completely (even toothpaste and medicine) and give it enough time to work. If my son had an exposure, it can take a week to recover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You might want to consider the Feingold diet (which is eliminating artificial colors, flavorings, additives, etc in processed food) and gluten free diet.
It might take a couple of months before you notice the difference.

I second this. DS was a tough toddler and preschooler and I was sure he would later have ADHD. It changed drastically with the diet. Other parents comment on how well behaved and focused he is. It doesn't work for everyone but it is worth a try. Just be sure to follow it completely (even toothpaste and medicine) and give it enough time to work. If my son had an exposure, it can take a week to recover.

I "third" this. Diet is critical. For us, also removing all sources of MSG is important. The hard part is that most every processed food has MSG, usually disguised as "natural flavors," autolysed yeast", or "yeast extract." It's also important to check iron levels as low iron can be evidenced as hyperactivity. Supplementing with magnesium can also help.