How badly can sugar affect your DC?

[egdehsdrawkcab]

I have a most lovely, caring, smart 4yr old DS. But lately his behavior can switch in an instant - tonight after a bath he spat at me, scratched me, screamed until his little face was beetroot.... all because his water was in the wrong cup. I thought 4.5yr old grew out of these kind of strops by now?

I'm trying desperately to figure out what could bring in his frequent fits of rage. Today he had some ice cream not long before bed, just a small scoop after tea. He also had bear paws yo-yo today, and a small fairy cake at a play date. Is that too much sugar? And can the effects be that full in?

Of course it could also be testosterone (I heard that kicks in around 4), and some recent changes at home.... but the behavior is pretty extreme.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

I’ve just replied to your other thread OP. I doubt it’s the sugar. What changes have there been at home?

[egdehsdrawkcab]

Well, we moved back to the uk after2.5 years abroad, his daddy has stayed abroad, comes home monthly. Living in a rented place, not the house he knew before (where my parents are long term house sitting). Lots of change, new nursery etc.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Gosh that’s a lot for him to cope with. I bet he’s missing his Daddy and can’t exoress it properly.

Keep calm OP, have a look at the book I mentioned on your other thread. He will come through with lots of love and calm, loving Discipline

[mountaingirl220]

Firsthand, a friend's son is 8. His diet is awful. He's on four medications because of his poor diet. He has lots of problems. I feel sorry for him. In terms of sugar, what you give to your child, I consider it too much sugar in a day for a child, but I also know I'm very strict with food.

[egdehsdrawkcab]

Yep I agree that day did seem a lot, it's not normally that much but he does get a 'pud' or small treat most days. He also eats a very varied and healthy diet too so I'm not worried about his eating habits per se, rather the effect of sugar.

He's had so much to cope with, but I feel like I'm fighting fire with fire.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

How was his behaviour before the move?

[mountaingirl220]

Hmm. Honestly, I think then it's the changes. Get into a boring routine where it's the same schedule every week and keep sugar to a minimum. It always seems to calm a child. Also, maybe more active activities, as it always calms them and wears them out. Just suggestions but I don't know the whole story. Keep your chin up. Ive been reading a really good parenting book lately called "Calm Parents, Happy Kids." I read a little bit of that every night as it's got great tips on when kids are being difficult and I also go through Janet Lansbury articles online.

[egdehsdrawkcab]

I wouldn't say this is new behavior - we had similar on the outward move, but he was 2, had a new baby sister, new country, new nursery to deal with then too.

I've seen HV numerous times re his 'episodes'- always told as long as he reserves bad behavior for me and doesn't display at schools etc then it's likely nothing to worry about. I've had 6 of these episodes today. Hysterical outburst, crying, shouting, screaming. If I try to physically remove or retrain him he claws at me, hits or bites me.

I know there are some pretty naughty kids in his class at nursery where this is a problem - I ask repeatedly if he's ever naughty, "no, an angel.... "

I'm going to make an appointment to see my HV again, and to meet nursery manager and class leader. He's there 5 days a week so I need a full picture of what is happening there and how they manage it - he sure hasn't seen this behavior at home.

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Agree with Moutain regarding exercise, boys especially do Ned lots of wearing out. What time was bathtime and can you give us an outline of your day?

[dimples76]

I think it is probably the changes and I guess with his Dad being away there is even less opportunity for 1:1 time. I think the HV's advice that if he behaves at nursery then there's nothing to worry about - lots of children work really hard all day at nursery/school to keep themselves regulated and then when they come home they are exhausted and the behaviour is v challenging.

My son is 4 and bathtime has often been a trigger point for tantrums - he loves his bath! What has helped us is moving bathtime earlier as I think it excited rather than calmed him. So we do snack, bath, pjs, downstairs for bit of telly, upstairs for stories then bed. Also when my son is raging I tend to just sit near him silently and wait for the storm to pass - I think it helps us both stay calmer.

[slbhill42]

It does sound very challenging - but sugar is rarely the problem.


www.bbc.com/future/story/20130722-does-sugar-make-kids-hyperactive