To be exhausted by my four year old

Sometimes it is exhausting just watching them be so active!

Cosmic kids yoga can be good (if they will engage with it)

My 6 year old went through a phase this summer of doing laps round the garden most days.

When he was younger, probably around 4, sometimes I would sit him on the sofa and tucked him in tightly with a blanket, or use a weighted blanket, give him a snack and put something on TV that he would really be absorbed in, if I had any chance if calming him down.
Blanket never so tight be couldn't move or get up if he wanted, but just enough pressure that it would calm and relax him.

I have a similar 4 year old boy, just started reception.

I was out and about today and noticed a few pre school children, walking nicely and calmly along with parents. Mine is always 100 miles an hour, running, jumping, hooning it around non stop. Even in his pram as a baby his legs would be up in the air, kicking away!

He doesn't stop talking, ever. So much so, we've had to implement a hand up rule at the table sometimes as we're trying to teach him about waiting his turn to speak.

I love his zest and enthusiasm but it's exhausting. Everyone (inc on here) said Reception is exhausting and they'll be zonked after school. Mine seems to have more energy if anything!

No advice really just solidarity. No amount of exercise seems to help, in fact the more he gets, the more energy he has for longer.

I am increasing his food a bit as he's a big tall lad for his age and food does calm him down a bit. Other than that, I don't know!

My nephew was similar, even more so I think. He's a pretty chilled teenager now but still needs a ton of exercise.

My 5yo is similar. ADHD has crossed my mind but no-one has raised concerns, think it’s more likely to be his nature. He is really struggling with year one and he says it’s because he hates sitting down and just wants to move, breaks my heart a bit!

There is no pressure on the legs, thats not weight baring.

It's just being active. Which OP needs to do with her child.

Sure, but I was responding to someone who said I was missing the point. I was explaining why.

How old are you?

If you are concerned about possible ADHD, do speak to his school and see if they have any similar concerns.

If he’s just started reception, he might be extra wiggly at home as they will be learning to sit still on the carpet etc in school. My DS has been even more bouncy after school since starting reception and I think it’s because he’s trying to be good at school.

In terms of coping at home, I would try to reframe his behaviour to ease some of the anxiety you maybe have about it. Try to see it as a positive that he is healthy, energetic and has a zest for life! He won’t always be like this …most older kids and teens eventually love to wallow in their beds or at the very least, go out with friends more and he won’t always be under your feet (I say that with kindness - I literally trip over my DS4 sometimes because he is EVERYWHERE I turn!)

If possible, try to get a break and time for yourself too. Parenting small children is very full-on!

But do seek reassurance and support from his school too.

My 4 year old is similar, He has some other sensory stuff too so with him I think it's sensory seeking. He runs, jumps, spins, skips and when very excited does a little happy flappy dance! We got some great advice from an OT to calm him down. If you Google it you'll get lots of ideas. Has he just started school? I'm sure he's a bit wired from having to pay attention all day too, it's such a long day for such a small child. My mum said my brother was the same and calmed down around 5 or 6 so heres hoping 🙏😂

People are very tedious… no idea why they’re giving you such a hard time OP

i have an impossible to tire out child like yours. Definitely look into the OT recommended heavy weight bearing stuff. It’s been a game changer for me. I have to take him to the park for an hour after school or I am doomed. Running up and down the skateboard ramps is the best thing ever - puts pressure on their legs and seems to release something. Otherwise he’d be climbing the walls…literally.

That may be the point she was making but if it were, I don’t think she made it very well, hence the replies she received from many people before clarifying.

"Normal" for one of mine! Well he's not stayed still/stopped talking since he started and he's 11 now - i definitely get what you mean about it being overestimating. He has always got on OK at school, albeit high energy but he still can't really "sit" still and needs to narrate/make random noises, possible ADHD but certainly nothing we've been able to get diagnosed!

The other day he was cross with me and told me he was "never speaking to me again" - lasted all of 7 minutes. If it helps, I've definitely adjusted to it!

I felt straight away this is what you were trying to get at or hoping someone would say you should have just said that first instead of trying to tease it out of people

Have you ever spent a very short time with someone, an hour or so for example but then thought "blimey that person was exhausting!"?

I think that is more the point op was trying to make.

Ok, well fwiw, my 4yo sounds broadly similar. He’s not interested in watching TV at all, much to my frustration. He wants to play, all the time.

My two boys (4 and 2) have just spent this evening taking all the cushions off the sofa until the whole floor was covered and created an obstacle course jumping from each one. I just sat and watched them!

Its normal and much better than sitting watching tv for hours on end.

I understand she’s exhausted but the kid is in school 30 hrs a week and presumably sleeps about 11hrs a day. That means that during the week she might actually be looking after him about 6 hrs a day. How exhausting can that really be? Unless she’s also working, in which case, it’s incredibly challenging. There is obviously a difference.