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AIBU?

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If you had a 3.5 year old who wouldn't sit still

51 replies

HappyForRainbow · 01/03/2026 23:37

Did it ever get better?

I am exhausted and miserable (and obligatory love my child of course).

DS will NOT sit still or quietly without a screen for longer than a couple of minutes. Even a screen doesn't work for long enough that its something I bother relying on most of the time.

He isn't a 'bad' child overall, he doesn't really tantrum or hit and plays nicely with other kids. BUT trying to do anything that doesn't include him being active just feels impossible. Things like meals out with friends or sitting at Church before the kids service starts. He wants to be loud and get up and run. Every time.

Another terrible day, everything ruined, parents of kids who aren't as active or those who have forgotten judging. I'm fed up, I'm exhausted and I really need to hear that your child eventually shut up and sat still. And when. Please.

OP posts:
Ohfuckrucksack · 02/03/2026 18:12

Long long ago I went to church. They recognised that small children cannot sit still for long - so first 15 minutes with families and then into creche/sunday school where their needs could be better accommodated.

In Sunday school there was lots of singing with actions and some children needed to stand up/move more than others.

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