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Original poster

I think my son who is 4 has ADHD help!!!

12 replies

barnsmum · 04/12/2011 12:16

My 4 year old son is more than just a lively boy for 2yrs he has totally destroyed my home and that of my mums.He never stops for a moment always looking to do mischief for example pouring shampoos ,bubble bath down toilet and bath,washing powder all over the floors,pooing and weeing all over and messing with it you name he does it i totally dont know what to do.When he goes to nursery his behaviour is good.HELP :( i have a son who is 11 and its starting to get him down.

OP posts:
jubilee10 · 04/12/2011 12:32

To have ADHD his behaviour would have to take place in more than one setting. If the nursery have no concerns about his behaviour and he only behaves like this at home/for you then it is unlikely that he has ADHD. Does he do it for attention, what do you do when he misbehaves, are you consistant. Is is just his bad behaviour or does he have other signs.

IMO he should have very restricted access to bubble bath, washing powder etc. at his age but it is not noemal to mess with wee and poo.

MadameSin · 04/12/2011 12:32

If he is affecting your life in such a negative way and you are happy with how you parent and discipline him, take him along to your GHP and ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician. He is very young still and they will probably tell you that. For a diagnosis of ADHD to be given, the problems need to be occurring in more than one setting i.e. both at home and school. I think you may be sent away with behaviour strategies or even with a recommendation to attend parenting courses. Children don't usually have 'ADHD' in one place ... if it really was ADHD, it would be an issue at school too. I have a ds with a dx of ADHD. Good luck!

prettyfly1 · 04/12/2011 13:22

Hi there

Seconding what the others have said - I have a six year old with moderate to severe adhd and his behaviour is consistently challenging regardless of where he is. Is there anything else - late nights etc that might lend you to think ADHD is likely? To be honest I am thinking that he may be a little bored at home. Some kids just cannot be left unnattended for any length of time or they will find their own entertainment - toilets being a particular area of fun for little boys.

Original poster
barnsmum · 04/12/2011 13:58

i provide stimulation when posssible all products that should be out of reach are kept high but he just climbs or finds sumat to clime on.I do like most mums show love effection,interract it just seems no matter how hard i try or wotever tactic i try it doesn't make a difference i think i maybe have to draw the conclusion that my son is very active. thanks for ur advice :)

OP posts:
Original poster
barnsmum · 04/12/2011 13:59

prettyfly1 can i just ask wot sort of things does your son do? thanks :)

OP posts:
minxofmancunia · 04/12/2011 14:09

ADHD is pervasive and shows up in all settings not just home. The shampoo etc. stuff sounds like 4 year old mischief, the poo and wee stuff is a bit unusual, go to your local surestart and ask if they're running and webster-stratton parenting courses and see if you can enrol.

Original poster
barnsmum · 04/12/2011 16:06

Thanks minxofmancunia i tried to get on that but it was full i will keep trying but thankyou :)

OP posts:
kalo12 · 04/12/2011 16:12

apparently at 4 years old, boys get a massive rush of testosterone - (the super hero phase it's called I think) and they are constantly on the go. My nearly 4 year old is, - constant wrestling/ climbing throwing things.

He is also as good as gold at nursery so maybe just needs to let rip at home. I have also noticed that he burns up loads of energy and when he is hungry he is worse so I have started feeding him a bit more stodge to keep up with his demands - i've resorted to buttered crumpets to try and calm him down - something I wouldn't normally feed him!! I think carbs are needed

Original poster
barnsmum · 04/12/2011 18:19

yeah i think your right thanks for your info thats helped Kalo12 :)

OP posts:
MadameSin · 05/12/2011 12:17

Kalo the testosterone theory is a myth according to our pediatrician ... often used as an excuse to explain simply 'boyish' behaviors. She said we should stop apologising for them and embrace them instead Xmas Hmm (all very well when they are driving you up the bleedin wall!!) Barnsmum would you say your son has a 'good' diet? You'd be amazed how foods affect behaviour. If you are giving your son squashes with artificial sweeteners or chocolate on a regular basis, you could be asking for trouble. If he is only displaying these behaviours at home then I think the shampoo thing is attention seeking .. likewise with the toilet issues. Good luck!!

kalo12 · 07/12/2011 14:15

madame sin, surely its testosterone that makes behaviour 'boy'ish, but yes i agree we shouldn't apologise for it.

MadameSin · 08/12/2011 15:42

Yeah agree to an extent kalo .... it's the age old question of 'nature Vs nurture" - that one drives me mad every time!

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