Please or to access all these features

Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

What's 'normal' in terms of a 3 yo lacking concentration?

6 replies

BarackObamasBigEars · 20/01/2010 21:23

Firstly I have namechanged because (1) some MNers know me; and (2) as I'm investigating whether DS's concentration problems are normal or not, I don't want the risk of him being labelled.

I've noticed that in comparison to his peers, DS's concentration levels seem to be all over the place unless he's occupied doing something specific. He goes to a dance class, which he loves, but while all the other children (aged 3-4) are lining up patiently to wait their turn, he is constantly jumping up and down, chattering, running around, etc etc. To be fair, he's new to the group and apart from attending nursery regularly has never been to a group where he's had to sit/ stand in a line before, so it could just be that he needs to get used to the way things are done.

The other thing I've noticed is that he doesn't pay attention when people are talking to him - but I'm wondering how this compares to other kids of his age. I know that 9 times out of 10 he does hear us, so it's more that he's choosing not to respond. Actually, perhaps this is pretty normal!

Finally, he seems to always be giving a running commentary or humming or wriggling or jumping around or doing something to keep himself occupied. Again this sounds pretty normal to me (and I'm hoping you'll all say that it is!) but when I compare him to his peers he seems to be the only one.

Do I need to be concerned?

OP posts:
MogTheForgetfulCat · 20/01/2010 21:37

Well, he sounds normal to me - because that's pretty much what my DS1 (who is 3.11) is like most of the time. I'm astonished by fellow parents with similar age children talk about their DC watching a film, or going to the theatre - no way could DS1 sit through a film or a theatre show.

The running commentary thing definitely rings a bell, too. Also not always paying attention. Is the wriggling/jumping etc worse when he's tired? My DS1 gets really "kinetic" when he is tired.

I think it sounds well within the parapeters of normal.

Tamarto · 20/01/2010 21:42

Sounds perfectly normal to me too, my DS2 at 7 still can't stand still

waitingforbedtime · 20/01/2010 21:48

sounds just like my 3 year old son.

havoc · 20/01/2010 21:50

Sounds exactly like my 3 yr old. He goes to Gym class and is constantly messing around in line and not listening to instructions.

Oh, and the running commentary. He was a late talker, and still has a speech problem, but he never, ever shuts up.

I hope yours is normal, otherwise we're in trouble too!

BarackObamasBigEars · 20/01/2010 21:57

Well, surely all our kids can't have ADD!

You are all wonderful, thank you SO much for putting my mind at rest.

OP posts:
MogTheForgetfulCat · 20/01/2010 22:05

Gah! parameters

Glad you have been reassured

New posts on this thread. Refresh page