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AIBU?

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Original poster

To wonder why my child has boundless energy?

34 replies

iwantamincepie · 07/12/2024 15:18

I do love his enthusiasm but I am struggling.

He is 4, attends preschool for four days a week and it is very active, outdoors, play based. I could easily take him straight from preschool to the park or soft play for three hours. He just doesn’t stop.

If he is left to his own devices for any length of time he just gets bored and restless. I have to admit I’m a bit worried he has ADHD.

Does anyone have a child like this? I hear of some children exhausted from preschool / school - not mine Hmm

OP posts:
CandiedPrincess · 07/12/2024 16:00

Seashor · 07/12/2024 15:44

My son was exactly the same. I was stick thin because I took him on long walks every single day, bike rides, parks and swimming. I did not allow him to jump on furniture though.
He was cycling two miles to and from school every day at the age of four and swimming in a club four times a week at the age of six. He still thinks he’s wasted the day if he’s up after 0700!

Tried this level of activity - still doesn't work. All that happens is that I am more knackered and he's still got so much energy. Nothing 'burns' it off, and once he's eaten it's even worse.

CandiedPrincess · 07/12/2024 15:59

gamerchick · 07/12/2024 15:54

Dont you wish you could just tap into it though? Imagine everything that would get done Grin

Nothing. Nothing would get done. Because he has zero ability to sit still or focus on anything for more than a couple of minutes, tops.

gamerchick · 07/12/2024 15:57

Have anyone tried a weighted blanket. It can help dull down the sensory seeking a little bit. Trampetts with a handle can help focus the jumping about on the settees.

gamerchick · 07/12/2024 15:54

Dont you wish you could just tap into it though? Imagine everything that would get done Grin

Original poster
iwantamincepie · 07/12/2024 15:50

CandiedPrincess · 07/12/2024 15:36

I have a 5 year old, we joke we've not found his off-switch but seriously, it's exhausting and draining and gives me anxiety.

He cannot sit still - not for listening to a story, not to eat dinner - even playing on an iPad he is leaping around, trying to stand on his head, rolling around on the floor. He is not 'naughty' but he doesn't listen, doesn't follow instructions, doesn't give a flying fuck about being told off.

He literally never stops moving or talking. My patience is thin but I try and focus on the fact that it has to be worse for him. I can't imagine what is going on in his head all day long.

You’ve described DS to a point. I wish I could ‘not allow’ him to do something.

OP posts:
Seashor · 07/12/2024 15:44

My son was exactly the same. I was stick thin because I took him on long walks every single day, bike rides, parks and swimming. I did not allow him to jump on furniture though.
He was cycling two miles to and from school every day at the age of four and swimming in a club four times a week at the age of six. He still thinks he’s wasted the day if he’s up after 0700!

NorthEastNellie · 07/12/2024 15:36

My 3.5 yo is like this. On Wednesday he went to preschool, then he spent 2hrs chasing his friend round and round the park. Then jumping around on the sofa at home. Cannot entertain himself for 5mins (unless it's something sensory - glow sticks in a dark room has been a recent life saver. As has making slime). You're not alone!

CandiedPrincess · 07/12/2024 15:36

I have a 5 year old, we joke we've not found his off-switch but seriously, it's exhausting and draining and gives me anxiety.

He cannot sit still - not for listening to a story, not to eat dinner - even playing on an iPad he is leaping around, trying to stand on his head, rolling around on the floor. He is not 'naughty' but he doesn't listen, doesn't follow instructions, doesn't give a flying fuck about being told off.

He literally never stops moving or talking. My patience is thin but I try and focus on the fact that it has to be worse for him. I can't imagine what is going on in his head all day long.

BraveBlueDuck · 07/12/2024 15:30

Mine are 3 & 6, they chase each other around the house and use the furniture like gymnastic equipment, even after a full day at school/nursery.

Neither of them can sit still for more than 5 seconds, it's tiring just watching them