Sitting still and listening

[beans1992]

Looking for some advice. We went to look at schools last week with my 4 year old, and I noticed that she was the only child in the hall who struggled to sit still during the head teachers opening address. It was a 15 minute talk, but she just couldn’t do it - kept turning round, talking, standing up, sitting on the floor etc. Every other child was sat still.

I had previously noticed that she struggles in places like libraries too, she will run around and be silly rather than sit with books like others seem to be doing with no issue. Is 4 too early to be worried about this? Can I do anything to help?

My big concern is that she will be starting school next year. I wasn’t overly worried until I saw her at the talk, and in the context of other kids her own age. Any advice would be great.

My daughter was like this and has ADHD. However, I can assure that a lot can change in a year and her ability to sit may improve.

I am also a primary teacher and the majority of the primary ones in the school cannot sit for very long. We assume this is partly due to a lack of nursery due to lockdown etc. But, generally, the listening and ability to sit for periods of time, seems to be going downhill. She definitely would not stand out in my class.

It's quite normal at 4 to no be able to sit still. It's the reason kids in most countries in Europe don't start school until 6 when they can sit down and actually Pay attention. So I don't think it is a concern