The toddler who just won't sit still, runs away & is generally hyper

[Anonymous]

My son is slightly over 2, and was/is the same way. We signed him up for gymboree classes, which he did much better with than the music classes etc. we had tried before. We get him out of our (small) house as often as possible (playground, mall, museums etc). Now that he is over 2, we find that if we have to be inside, watching a short TV program (Wiggles), can help him relax a little. I know it isn't the most educational thing in the world, but watching 20 minutes of it can calm him down enough to engage in some indoor play afterwards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here are few helpful tips from a fellow ponytail-tennis-shoes-running-shorts-sweating-and-exhausted-but-lost-that-babyweight-from-chasing-my-DS-mom:


3)food. avoid processed sugars and all those other hyperactivity triggers. Including red dye. DS is OUT OF CONTROL if he has red dye. I vividly remember thinking I was the only mom who had a child this active...but you are not alone! We are just at the park playing chase/tag!

One time, someone on here posted that their child had 2 speeds...sleep and Chuck Norriss. All I could think was AMEN.

What foods have red dye?

I'm not the PP you quoted, but you'd be amazed at the random foods that contain red dye if you start reading labels. If you buy any processEd foods, read the ingredients. Food dyes are in everythIng here in the US.

[Anonymous]

My 19 month old son is an absolute nutter. Being his parent is the most unrewarding frustrating experience of my life. He is like a prisoner constantly trying to escape and at the first glimpse of an open door will run towards it, and keep going if he has managed to get through it. If you try and stop him from doing what he wants it's unreconcilable tantrums and tear. He clearly knows best so he's on his own from here on in. I wish him all the best in his future as a career criminal mastermind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm tempted to say it's a boy thing. My son was exactly like that and at 3.5 is much better at focusing now.

You know he's 18 mos, right? Totally typical. And if he's not a snuggle monster then he could care less about sitting on your lap. Instead of a nanny a few days a week, maybe AM daycare? They normally have "circle time" when they sit and read books and do similar activities. If he sees other children modeling this behavior, maybe he will be inclined to go along?

Also - my pediatrician called my son "kinetic" if that gives you any clue of the level of activity my son is engaged in. I know it's a cause of concern for you, embarrassed at playdates because I was the same way, but I just let folks know ahead of time that my son is very active, etc.

As far as the climbing, it's not the safest thing and you can start time outs if you want - he won't sit there, you will have to hold him there, and be consistent! Consistency is key. If you're out and about and he misbehaves, immediate time out! I don't know that he will understand what you're telling him but immediately removing him from whatever he is doing will send a message.

Time out because he wants to explore?! That is HORRIBLE advice! Why would you do that to your poor toddler when he just wants to roam around and climb on things like playground equipment?
My 1 year old DD loves to go down the slide. Sitting down, laying on her back (feet first), laying on her stomach. I'm not going to punish her for that because she's "too young"! I'm going to help her to make sure she is safe while she does it (though I am trying to change the 'face first' method).

She climbs on all sorts of equipment meant for "older" kids. That's how they learn. I would never dream of punishing her for it. I spot her, make sure she is safe, and PRAISE her when she does it well.

You totally missed the point. This is about climbing bookcases, standing on the kitchen able, trying to leap off the sofa. Absolutely ok to set limits, do time outs, anything that may prevent future concussions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its not a boy thing. That makes it harder on girls who are active. DD is all over the place at 22 months and has been this way for a year. She started walking and never stopped! She has lots and lots of energy. I make sure to "run her out" before we come home in the evenings. I agree that people with laidback kids don't understand.

yes!!! It is NOT a boy thing, so tired of hearing that - my DD is just like OP describes. Constantly on the go, going to the playground is exhausting, etc. It is her personality. We could tell already when she was a baby. She also sleeps much less than other kids her age, yet is happy, just super active.
Agree about the safety first mindset. Parents of 'calm' kids will not understand.
One thing that is great is gymnastics classes where there is a large padded area to run around, and they learn taking turns with equipment. I'm wondering how preschool will go...
Anyhow, no matter the parental exhaustion, it is great to watch her energy and exuberation.

[Anonymous]

I had the same exact type of kid. We were convinced he'd have an ADHD diagnosis by the time he was in school. Fast forward to age 6, and yes, he's still active. He still loves running around, playing sports, etc., but he's very well behaved in class and is doing great in school. He's calmed down considerable.

[Anonymous]

I took my super active music loving 18 mo old to this today and it was perfect. Great crowd, music really fun, and they encouraged kids to run around and dance.

http://www.popville.com/2013/05/city-kids-bloombars-harambe/

[Anonymous]

My two boys are like this. You can't run it out of them either. They cannot be exhausted by running, I kid you not. Getting cold in water has some effect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 19 month old son is an absolute nutter. Being his parent is the most unrewarding frustrating experience of my life. He is like a prisoner constantly trying to escape and at the first glimpse of an open door will run towards it, and keep going if he has managed to get through it. If you try and stop him from doing what he wants it's unreconcilable tantrums and tear. He clearly knows best so he's on his own from here on in. I wish him all the best in his future as a career criminal mastermind.

I laugh at this in sisterhood. It wasn't just a question of baby proofing or putting high locks on doors, with my son you couldn't leave him alone in a room for five minutes at an age when most kids could be left for half an hour.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. My child was active from the time he could crawl. Now that he's 2.5-3, he understand better what he can and can't do, but he is still just so active!!

[Anonymous]

DD is like this, now 16 mos - has been since she could walk. Each evening when we relieve the nanny she says "She hasn't stopped all day." Only solution at this point is to go outside and stay outside. She probably runs around outside for 4-6 hours every day. Or more. She does not stop.

[Anonymous]

My son wakes up running.

[Anonymous]

My 18 mo old son is like this. The other day he figured out how to take the child locks off the kitchen cabinets. He's also broken the baby gates. His older sister was never like this-- sit quietly, read a book. I just have to laugh and try to appreciate his infectious high spirits.

[Anonymous]

Why r u calling ur children a DS?????

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why r u calling ur children a DS?????

Well, the Gameboy broke. So now have a DS. Actually, we have two DSs. But no DD.