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Original poster

26 months little girl always on the move

31 replies

Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 08:37

Hi everybody
My little girl is 26 months and have been told by her daycare teacher that she is always on the move and doesn’t sit still for meals . She talks a bunch and they see it as hyper verbal . She does it at home when other people are in the room but I thought it was her way of showing off .
Long story short she’s showing symptoms of adhd and I know at the age they overlap with toddler behaviours.
She is not aggressive in any way and seeks hugs when she knows she has been naughty . She engages with her peers and shares her toys with them . She always follows directions and instructions when told ( age appropriate of course ) . She helps tidying up her toys at the end of the day . She sleeps like a log and tantrums lasts no more than a couple of minutes . I can go a get a quick shower that she would sit on the couch watching telly and I would find her still there when I come out .

Any of you parents recognise these symptoms in their child and then eased off as the years went by or not ?

OP posts:
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Oioisavaloy27 · 15/03/2025 10:46

Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 18:15

She is busy but always listens to instructions . Her key worker said you can redirect her easily and always kind with her peers . Yes, the sitting still scared me off going into coffee places or out for lunch ( haven’t been since she was able to walk so 1 year ) . I know it doesn’t count but she can sit still watching stories in front of the telly or a small book

Show quote history

She sounds perfectly fine the trouble is these days is people are looking for things when they don't need too.

Ahsheeit · 14/03/2025 18:41

I think you need a new nursery. One where they are child led and look at the individual, not the text books. Kids can't read the books 😉. Oh, and I do have ADHD, and I'm autistic. I've also successfully raised 4 great kids who are wonderful adults.

CornishSkipper · 14/03/2025 18:40

Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 18:27

I would have thought that adhd is more than the inability to sit still but I will keep an eye on her for sure . I guess I am concerned of how the world or the school system for that matter are gonna treat her because she might be different . Already now I can feel like judged by the staff that they had to pull me to one side and point out her shortcomings. I appreciate they are doing it to help us for the future but , honestly , at times I prefer it when kids where not treated any differently or scrutinised to such an extent

I would have told you she’s bright, chatty, and lively.

Original poster
Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 18:27

I would have thought that adhd is more than the inability to sit still but I will keep an eye on her for sure . I guess I am concerned of how the world or the school system for that matter are gonna treat her because she might be different . Already now I can feel like judged by the staff that they had to pull me to one side and point out her shortcomings. I appreciate they are doing it to help us for the future but , honestly , at times I prefer it when kids where not treated any differently or scrutinised to such an extent

OP posts:
Original poster
Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 18:18

I know adhd can present subtly in girls . I guess my fear was that the nursery would tell us to find somewhere else to put her

OP posts:
Original poster
Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 18:15

Ahsheeit · 14/03/2025 17:53

She sounds like a busy, curious, perfectly developmentally appropriate 2 year old! They generally have the attention span of a goldfish at that age, as the world is a big and exciting place. Sitting still for periods of time is boring when there's so much else to do and see. Ignore them (or ask them what they expect you to do - gaffer tape her to a chair?)

She is busy but always listens to instructions . Her key worker said you can redirect her easily and always kind with her peers . Yes, the sitting still scared me off going into coffee places or out for lunch ( haven’t been since she was able to walk so 1 year ) . I know it doesn’t count but she can sit still watching stories in front of the telly or a small book

OP posts:
Ahsheeit · 14/03/2025 17:53

She sounds like a busy, curious, perfectly developmentally appropriate 2 year old! They generally have the attention span of a goldfish at that age, as the world is a big and exciting place. Sitting still for periods of time is boring when there's so much else to do and see. Ignore them (or ask them what they expect you to do - gaffer tape her to a chair?)

Wiseplumant · 14/03/2025 17:45

Why the need to pathologize normal childhood behaviour?

TheFunHare · 14/03/2025 17:39

Rewind 15 years and we were in your situation. Loved her energy and it always worked well as we are a busy family and we channelled it. But don't ignore it. If it is ADHD girls mask really well until year 7 or 8 when more is expected of them, hormones kick in and it can go wrong very quickly. Agree it's too early to diagnose but if you have educators saying the same in a few years time then get her on the waiting lists. Even if you don't want to do anything about it at least you are ready for when and if things change.

Original poster
Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 17:26

HelenWheels · 14/03/2025 16:16

might be a n idea to encourage her to sit at the table to eat, with you for example, although i am sure you know that

Edited

Ironically she did sit for a support this evening . Anyone recommend a good table for toddler on amazon ?

OP posts:
HelenWheels · 14/03/2025 16:16

might be a n idea to encourage her to sit at the table to eat, with you for example, although i am sure you know that

HelenWheels · 14/03/2025 16:15

far too young ime
they need to be at least 6 years for any consideration to adhd

CornishSkipper · 14/03/2025 15:15

madaffodil · 14/03/2025 14:44

She's two. She's full of energy and excitement at the joys of life and discovering new, wonderful things every day. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her and she has no 'symptoms'. If anything, she sounds rather bright.

That was my thought too.

CornishSkipper · 14/03/2025 15:14

Didimum · 14/03/2025 15:06

She’s too little for this sort of assessment, OP. Best thing to do is just see how she develops into school age.

Absolutely - ADHD shouldn’t be diagnosed until 7 years.

CornishSkipper · 14/03/2025 15:13

Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 14:26

Thank you everyone . It is just typical of nurseries sometimes and they have made me feel a bit of a failure . I mean I know she doesn’t sit for meals at nursery she does at home ( she sits on the couch 😞) . She can self settle to sleep and always able to . I guess I feel that mom whose kid gets looked at by other parents because she doesn’t join circle time 🙂

Honestly, my DD was always on the go and very talkative at that age. Several friends asked if she had ADHD. It was a completely normal stage of development for a bright girl and school didn’t raise any concerns. I agree with a PP who said that it wouldn’t be questioned in a boy.

Didimum · 14/03/2025 15:06

She’s too little for this sort of assessment, OP. Best thing to do is just see how she develops into school age.

YeGodsandLittleFishies · 14/03/2025 15:06

One of mine never stopped moving, never stopped taking at aged 2.

I was worried how he would manage at school but actually it’s never been a problem.

Like a previous poster we channeled his energies into sports as early as we could. He now plays at an elite level.

Don’t worry too much OP, some kid just have lots of energy.

OpalTraybake · 14/03/2025 15:00

Generally ADHD isn’t diagnosed or even referred for until the child turns 5 or 6 at the earliest because a lot of traits are common in 2 year olds, hyperactivity, inattentiveness, impulsivity, emotional outbursts etc. but by school starting age if those traits are still really pronounced and persistent then referrals get made. You can however monitor behaviour and keep an eye on traits your daughter might be displaying for the time being. Nursery have been good to let you know what she’s like when she’s there too as they’re obviously giving you communication and that’s a good thing. With my son who is most definitely ND he won’t always want to follow social routines in the day (like circle time) at his setting and the thing is that’s okay at this stage. Letting a very young child do their own thing whilst being encouraged to join in is what nursery should be doing IMO and try not to let it make you feel judged or inadequate as a parent. How would other parents know about that anyway? Your child whilst at the setting has a right to privacy.

ilparadodosdoltos · 14/03/2025 14:48

Lottapianos · 14/03/2025 12:56

Agree that this is normal toddler development and possibly some stereotyping about girls. I bet if she was a boy, everyone would think it was marvellous that she was so active and energetic

i had a nursery teacher tell me she thought my son had adhd or asd as he was throwing stuff a lot. She seemed slightly horrified that he didn’t want to sit still like everyone else so in my experience boys don’t get a free pass.

He’s now on a county cricket pathway - we channelled the throwing and turned it into bowling. And he’s neurotypical.

madaffodil · 14/03/2025 14:44

She's two. She's full of energy and excitement at the joys of life and discovering new, wonderful things every day. There is absolutely nothing wrong with her and she has no 'symptoms'. If anything, she sounds rather bright.

Mamofboys5972 · 14/03/2025 14:36

This is my son, never stands or sits still, never stops babbling, never stops climbing, falling over, running around and screaming "outside" all day long haha. It's totally normal :) all of my family have had children at the same time and we gather every Wednesday for dinner and activities. They can set up a full craft station for example, and all the kids sit around lovely making pictures and my son has made an obstacle course on the settee, stripped off every bit of clothing and is playing spiderman 🤷‍♀️ I love him he's great. Let them be kids while they can be x

Abra1t · 14/03/2025 14:28

She sounds adorable, to be honest. If exhausting. :)

Original poster
Ladybug1235 · 14/03/2025 14:26

Thank you everyone . It is just typical of nurseries sometimes and they have made me feel a bit of a failure . I mean I know she doesn’t sit for meals at nursery she does at home ( she sits on the couch 😞) . She can self settle to sleep and always able to . I guess I feel that mom whose kid gets looked at by other parents because she doesn’t join circle time 🙂

OP posts:
PurpleThistle7 · 14/03/2025 13:00

These don’t sound like symptoms to me, just sounds like a child who is confident and happy.

but yes - my son was like this and still is for the most part (he’s about to turn 9). Still hates sitting still, talks nonstop… but focuses on things that interest him and behaves well at school for the most part. I have no concerns at all and no one else does either.

Lottapianos · 14/03/2025 12:56

Agree that this is normal toddler development and possibly some stereotyping about girls. I bet if she was a boy, everyone would think it was marvellous that she was so active and energetic