Constant moving about getting me down

[starrychime]

DD 6.5 is really getting me down. She seems unable to stay still - example tonight me not feeling great, went for a lie down and took her in with me and put a DVD on while I had a bit of a rest. One minute lying cuddled up, then goes top to tail, kicking legs up and down, hitting me accidentally with feet, generally not keeping still. I know it's a bit much to ask but she was still watching DVD, just constantly moving about. As result we are now both up again, she is beside me on couch as I type, cuddled up beside me but wriggling about, putting feet up in air, on back of couch etc. When doing reading homework for school she starts off sitting beside me, then the next thing is on her back on couch, then upside down with feet up in air. It really gets me down, and have in the past ended up screaming and throwing book across room at which point she begs for another chance, gets it and within 5 minutes the same again. It was highlighted in her report that she needed to concentrate more but how can I get this started - it's really getting me down tonight particularly - tears (mine) dripping over keyboard as I type
It just seems that she is constantly MOVING, and I know I should be grateful she's healthy, doing OK at school, happy most of the time, but it's really getting to me.

Have you tried fish oil? Some parents at school found it helped. Also, have you tried asking her why she doesn't sit still - is she uncomfortable, or does she need to go out for a run around before coming back in to read?

Just wondered.

Wish I could send her out for a run about but no garden so once we're in from after school club we're in for the night. Should I go to GP to advise about fish oils or just get supplements from chemist. Have just Googled to have a look and it seems there's lots of opinions on what's safe etc.

Loads of sympathy. DS is only 3 but exactly the same. Trying to get him to sleep and to stay asleep is impossible, his legs are constantly twitching and kicking.

I do find physical exercise helps a lot, but he also does it when he's overtired.

Might try the fish oils.

Good luck to you :)

def agree with letting her out to let off steam. maybe try making time for a walk or something before/after dinner? esp while evenings are light

also google "raising your spirited child" there's def a section in there about some children just really not being able to sit still
ds1 is the same, he HAS to move all the time, even at meal times he's constantly moving on his chair

Starrychime ds 7 is just like this as well and talks all the time as well I think when you are unwell or really tired it is especially hard to cope with.

Thanks folks, am feeling unusually tired and emotional tonight but school goes back tomorrow and I'm dreading the return of battles at homework time and reports of 'she's doing fine but has trouble concentrating and sometimes this disrupts the others' - general wriggling about, chatting, swinging on seat (and falling off obviously!) etc etc

starrychime hope the first day went well - we are in Scotland too .

My DS1 (5) is exactly the same it drives me to tears. He is currently being assesed for ADHD (is it still called that?) purley because he never stops moving and he has the attention span of a Goldfish. He gets plenty of excersise but nothing seems to work.

I hope your feeling better today. :)

Yes, feeling better, thanks. No homework this week I think Will be trying VERY hard to keep calm when she does start getting books home again. Tis very difficult with 2 tired crotchety folk (me and DD) not to just give up. Think all went well today - as usual it's like pulling teeth trying to get information at night - usual answers being, can't remember, it doesn't matter, why do you want to know etc when I am dying to know EVERY little detail of what goes on in that classroom !

Some children move around a lot because their actual sense and awareness of their body in space (proprioception)is poor. they need the movement to give themselves feedback on where the different parts of their body are in space.

Try giving a fidget toy to fiddle with whilst reading (could be something simple like a piece of blutac or play dough or maybe a stretchy plastic toy
this type of thing<a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=www.binbin.net/photos/generic/str/stretchy-toy-ring." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=www.binbin.net/photos/generic/str/stretchy-toy-ring.
or a tangle toy localmobility.co.uk/product_info.php/products_id/1010

If it continues to be a problem at school you could see if a wobble cushion might help www.physioroom.com/product/Gymnic_Disc_o_Sit_Wobble_Cushion_Junior_/2029/38410.html
In my experience it is either of great benefit in which case children actively want to use it as it helps so much or it is of no use at all! Ideally you'd want to borrow one to try. The school may be able to borrow one from the local paediatric Occupational Therapist. If it is of benefit, it should help when sitting at table for meals, when doing reading etc.