Should I allow my son to run around the house, in or out, play-screaming and acting silly and obnoxious. He just got home from Kindergarten and he's very hyper. To me it's really obnoxious but maybe this is just typical behavior and I should allow him to get it "out of his system". I asked him "What are you playing" and he said "Being dumb." At the moment he's running into the wall and pretending to hurt himself and play-scream. His sisters think it's funny until he starts antagonizing them and then they start screaming "No no no!"
He behaves well at school — his teacher says that he has some trouble transitioning from recess to work time, but once he settles down he can sit and concentrate very well. Unfortunately we have a very small back yard and I can't take him to the park after school because I have three younger kids (two who nap).
I'm thinking I'll allow 15 minutes of this and then bring him in to unwind in front of the T.V. Yes, T.V., I have four under 6 and this is the only way I get a break.
Any advice?
I must add... After t.v. time he usually spends the rest of the day building legos, drawing and playing with his sisters. He loves to do his Kindergarten homework with me before bed after his sisters are asleep. He's a pleasure when we have one-on-one time.
A., Your boy is doing what many other boys are doing. The sharp contrast is because you are a girl and the other children in the house are girls. What if you hire a 12-13 yr old boy (neighbor?) willing to run around and play ball with your boy for 1 hr after school? I think you will have a calm and happy boy if you could plan on this 3 times a week. Good luck! Nisa
Great advice here! If it works for you, take it.
Will just add that you might want to use a visual timer (hourglass egg timer style with coloured sand he can see) that runs for 10 mins or so?
That way you are all clear what the rule is and you can have him know that he can run and shout like a crazy nut LOL (with or without you joining in) for that 10 mins.
It may be useful to have him understand that it is not usually generally acceptable behaviour! But it's allowed, because he's letting off steam after school, and can't get to the park)?
Enjoy!
First I applaude you for the four kids under the age six...wow! My advice would be the classic saying if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Behavior like this is only annoying if it creates negative attention. You timing it is a wonderful idea because it creates a space in which he can just let loose (no hold bar) for 10 minutes or so without threat of it being unwanted. I'd be careful with the allowance though meaning, I'd let him know what comes next and only allow him to be "obnoxious" for a set time, then have him do something else. For example, you can play like this for 10 minutes but then after that, it's homework, then you can relax for bit. I think as much routine and structure you can provide, even with the silliness than you should.
Also, take 5-minutes out to try getting a bit crazy with him. Jump around with him for a moment, letting him know your interested in even the silly things with him. He'll appreciate it and may stop sooner just because he knows he can get your attention outside of acting silly. When it's all said and done, with 3 younger kids around, I think he misses his mom more than anything.
A little about me:
Only have the one (3yrs old girl), yet I keep my sisters two kids who are (4 & 2) often and notice the struggle for attention. Hang in there, and know that things only get better. C.~
my son will be six in june and he too is in kindergarden. when he gets home it is the same thing screamming that hurts my ears and running around just being crazy. it drives me nuts too but i have found out that if i walk away and ignore the behavior it wont last that long but if i yell or say something i get a your stupid mom or shut up then he has lost cartoons. dont feel bad i use the tv too most parents do it is our break time.
My 7 yr old is like that. And ended up paying a price for it. I told him serval times if he's going to act like that, take it outside. Go play in the backyard, chase the dog, and get it out of your system. One day he was running around the house playing ninja, did a kick and put his foot though my french door window. Luckily he wasn't hurt but I was mad! All of his chirstmas and bithday money went to fix the window. We also had a sit down and I expalined how important it is for him to listen to me. I also gave him in deatil what would of happened if he hurt himself. Now he has gotten better about it, but still does it once in a while. If he stats up again, I ask him if he has enough money to pay for another window.
Personaly after what happend to me, I wouldn't recommend he'd do it in the house. I'd hate to see something like that happen to you. Good luck!
Hi A.,
God Bless with 4 kids! It sounds to me like your kindergartener needs to blow off some steam after the structure of a school day. At the same time, I wouldn't let it go beyond what you feel you can tolerate. Perhaps it can be fun, but guided. We had a trampoline when our boys were this age & they loved that and were silly & screamy outside - it wasn't allowed inside. A fun gymnastics program might be a great outlet for some of this energy (maybe there's a weekend class). Also, I'm wondering if you are able to walk to/from school. This is a great way to get some excercise if you're close enough and can manage it with the 3 other children. As for transitioning - that is difficult for this age. They soon figure out the pattern of a school day and settle into that routine. It sounds like you're doing a great job and he's very creative.
Hi , Boys are warriors! give him the space to act like one :). Then when you are fed up the best remedy for a kid running around like crazy is: " Run around like crazy" .. keep asking him to do it some more and soon he will get bored with it and settle down... this of course works great with girls too .
I have five kids, and this tool has always worked for me...also on singing loudly or jumping on the bed, anything really...don't resist, encourage for more... then there is no opponent= no game
I think it is so funny how kids will get our attention and how frustrating it is to parents in knowing the right way to respond. Trust your instincts and allow the 15minutes and then applaud and divert. I believe children have to go through a lot of appropriate socialization at school and then come home where it is safe to express themselves to those who will be unconditional in their love. Tv is a fine tool and I wonder if he would also like play doh play, building a card house or putting together legos. It might just be the trick to engage and at the same time help him figure out a way to occupy his energy. Just think what will happen in the teen years and how parents complain of the attitude...again, I think they come home to practice on the family to figure out their way in acting in the world.
