Lethargic toddler

[OAM2009]

My DS is 3 today (Happy Birthday nipper!) and he's usually awesome but I do worry and my current main worry is his activity levels. When we're in the house, he often just mopes about sucking his thumb and asking for the TV on. He seems really tired but most nights is in bed by 7.30pm and getting a good 11-12 hours. When we're out, he's often better and will be more energetic. However, sometimes, he'll just be the same - miserable, mopey, just wanting to sit and suck his thumb.

He loves to watch TV and, if I let him, will happily spend ages sat on the settee sucking his thumb and watching anything that's on. I've caught him mindlessly watching the DVD menu screen or the Sky "End of recorded programme" bar! I've started him on multi-vitamins and I try to manage snacks and naps as best as I can. I'm willing to admit perhaps it might just need adjustments to this but I am a bit worried and would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks xx

PS Be gentle with me, I'm a newbie and this is my first post! x

Hi OAM2009 - how much stuff do you do together? Do for example, let him help you take the washing out the machine, polish the lounge, put the shoes in a neat row etc? Or do you do all the housework whilst he sits and watches tv?

I'm not judging but it's easy to forget they do need some stimulation and some children just can't play on their own as much as others.

Does he go to nursery/pre school? If not, perhaps trying to get him a couple of sessions a week will give you both chance to do your own thing.

Unless he could be poorly, I think he just needs to find some stuff he likes doing (not necessarily clubs/toddler clubs) like chalking on the patio, helping you in the garden, finger painting etc.

There are lots of little things that are easy to set him up with that will lure him away from the tv.

Obviously, it can be a very long day if you're a SAHM (like I have been for goodness knows how long ) but if you section up each day and have a walk, play, snack ,short nap etc, then he'll perhaps feel less sleepy.

It may be worth getting him checked out at the GP though - if he is like this all the time but still getting 11/12 hrs a night, plus day time naps, there may be something underlying, like thyroid that needs checking. That's unlikely but always best if there's no other explanation.

Thank you very much for your comments loopydoo! That's given me some good things to think about/action. I have got him involved in some housework but am a bit reluctant to make that too much of a big part of our time together, prefer to play or read or go out. He started pre-school at 2 and 10 months to get more stimulation and seems to have taken to it really well. And I should perhaps have also mentioned DS2 who's 19 months! I think I do sometimes use DS2 as an excuse for not doing stuff but it is quite hard to get an activity going for big un when little un then wrecks it!!! Thanks again x

Aha, I see. I did wonder whether you also had a younger child.

Perhaps DS1 is just used to you needing to do more attending type jobs to ds2 and remains patiently, sucking his thumb and watching tv etc. Don't see it as a bad thing; at least he's not trying to pinch his brother, wreck the house or scream the place down with jealousy!

I think perschool can make them extremely tired - it did my ds. Have you noticed he's more tired on preschool days?

Thanks again loopydoo! That's an interesting way of looking at it! Appreciate your thoughts and time xxx