2 year old behaviour normal?

[mabelava]

Hello,

My 2 year old has always been harder to manage than other children. Since birth, he was a crier, never slept well, whingey, not very chilled shall we say.

Recently his behaviour is just crazy. He is hyper 24:7 even when he doesn't nap. He just has sooo much energy. Runs off from me, hits, bites, jumps off things onto me, pulls hair, very clumsy, always falling over/hurting himself, no fear.

I'm pregnant and exhausted.

I'm starting to wonder if he may have ADHD or possibly it's teeth causing his behaviour. It's not always like this, it comes and goes. We have the odd calm day where we can chill and watch films and he is happy.

I should point out we finally have a good bedtime routine in place which he will stay in his bed from 7pm and relax until he falls asleep. We also use the naughty step which is effective so far.

He has his final molars to come - and he does not teethe well. Could that be causing his irrational behaviour?

@mabelava I could've written this. Unfortunately I can't offer advice because I'm struggling with my son too although he's currently cutting molars so definitely could be that. I'm still in two minds about whether to contact GP. Following in hope that someone can offer you some advice.

I'm a broken record but what's his sleep like daytime? Naps?

I have a nearly 2yo who turns similar to yours when tired. Or hungry. Or in pain (tummy, ear...). With mine, the recipe for happiness is have a nap, eat well, exercise outside a lot (like A LOT). And nursery, helps too.

He will never sit and watch (no matter what's on the screen) but he will read books (turn pages and name things) for a short while. I also got building blocks and I play with him as much as I can. I show him how to play, and he imitates and that works.

Cannot help with teething, we have all teeth and I never knew even (I am very lucky).

But just for reference, he wakes up 7am, naps 1:30 - 4pm (or 3:30) and goes to bed about 8pm (sooner if the nap is shorter). Anything past this awake time makes him very grumpy. He has a 4mo sibling so I get that pregnant/exhausted thing too. FWIW it will be better when the baby is out.

Hello, his sleep is pretty good now. Wakes 6.30, naps 12.30 - 2 (I usually wake him up otherwise he won't go to bed at night) bed 6.45 sleeps until 2am ish and comes into our bed usually. I don't mind that really as long as I get a few hours to myself in the evening.

He wakes between 6-6.45 every morning no matter what time he goes to bed so I have found putting him earlier means he has a full sleep.

He has had very bad nappies today and is grinding his teeth a lot. I'm sure it's teeth. I've given nurofen tonight and he's in nursery for the next 3 days. Hopefully next week will be better.