Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Child can’t sit still

9 replies

Tootired888 · 31/12/2020 15:50

My 7 year old seems incapable of sitting down or being still for any length of time. She is constantly jumping on and off the sofas, bouncing up and down etc. If you try and read with her she will last about a page before she’s fiddling with something or jumping around again.
It’s just constant unless she’s watching a particular show and only if it’s on her tablet. Is this normal? I’ve always dismissed her behaviour as just being an excitable child but now her much younger sibling is able to watch a film (for example) and she isn’t, it’s making me wonder.

Thanks

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 31/12/2020 15:58

Apparently my DD's inability to sit still was due to weak core stability/strength. At primary they let her stand up to work sometimes.
She didn't sit still watching TV until she was well into teens.

If she has something to fidget in her hands, can she concentrate on a story or TV or school then?

Snowdrop30 · 31/12/2020 15:59

My DS was like this - turned out to be ADHD.

flower11 · 31/12/2020 16:23

My dd is like this she has sensory processing disorder and is on the spectrum she is always seeking sensory stimulation. she likes to hang upside from the sofa likes the sensation of spinning and also likes climbing. Is always fiddling and fidgeting and finds sitting still really difficult.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Tillsforthrills · 31/12/2020 16:25

Perhaps get her one of those bouncy cushions for a chair, I’ve seen some children who fidget at school with them.

Also those squidgy balls they can hold in their hand to play with in one hand while reading/writing.

GalaxyCookieCrumble · 31/12/2020 16:27

My 9 year is the same and has recently being diagnosed with SPD, he always has to have something in his hand, always jumping round, very fussy eater!

Catgotyourbrain · 31/12/2020 17:07

Could be an indicator of ADHD - or not, we can't diagnose online but my DS was starting to show signs of not growing out of this as other peers were at 7 (he has ADHD )

Regardless though there is lots to do without diagnosis or even if there turns out nothing unusual:

Google 'proprioception' and also 'sensory diet'

It's all about providing opportunities to satisfy sensory needs - thus allowing other parts of life to continue less disturbed

Try:

Fidget cushions

Our Tripp Trapp chair is still used by DS (14) as they convert to extremely stable adult chairs and aren't easily rocked (if he sits on a normal chair at meals he still rocks back and forth)

Making safe opportunites for sensory play - running, jumping, resistance and pushing-pulling type things before trying to sit and watch a film

People say trampolines are useful but for us DS could never be safe.

Weighted blankets
Deep pressure - massaging hands or feet can then fill the need to fidget (this is part of routines occupational therapists prescribe which they call a 'sensory diet' but you can do this yourself.

Managing your expectations - if XYZ child (even another of your own children) can be expected to out down an absorbing activity without fuss, go to an activity they aren't familiar with without persuasion, or leave the house without any problems, doesn't mean this child can.

We knew DS couldn't follow a star chart successfully and that never worked for us, we had to manage what we expected him to do.

This also includes managing instructions. Know your child and how much they can take on. Some kids can only do one thing at once and if you ask them to put shoes and socks on it just won't happen. Test what she can manage and cut your cloth accordingly

This means that you can then heap loads of praise on when she exceeds what you normally expect

None of these things are a bad idea even of your DD is perfectly neurotypical.

Tootired888 · 31/12/2020 18:03

Thank you everyone for your useful replies. How does one go about finding out if it is something like ADHD?
School mentioned pre lockdown that she was misbehaving - calling out, not raising hand, not concentrating on her work. Then obviously covid happened and I don’t see the teacher to speak to her now. Is it usually diagnosed via school? Assuming they’d know/ would have mentioned if they suspect adhd?

OP posts:
TeenPlusTwenties · 31/12/2020 18:37

Have a search online for 'does my child have ADHD' and somewhere you'll find checklists, so you can have a play ticking the signs your DC shows.

I would also do similar with sensory processing disorder and also dyspraxia.

You may find (as we did) that there are other things your DC does that you haven't realised could be related.

Then you have something to show the SENCO at school and/or the GP.

Vittoria2512 · 13/02/2025 11:14

Tootired888 · 31/12/2020 18:03

Thank you everyone for your useful replies. How does one go about finding out if it is something like ADHD?
School mentioned pre lockdown that she was misbehaving - calling out, not raising hand, not concentrating on her work. Then obviously covid happened and I don’t see the teacher to speak to her now. Is it usually diagnosed via school? Assuming they’d know/ would have mentioned if they suspect adhd?

Hi do you have any updates on your child ?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread