Help with Behavior of an Overtired 4 Year Old

If he has a sleep deficit, then you can try getting him to bed super early (like 6 pm for a couple of nights).

Also, watch what he is eating for clues. Keep a food journal maybe. I know for example if my son has ANY thing with blue food coloring (read labels, it's even in marshmallows!) that he goes off the wall within minutes. McDonald's will do this to him, too. Something in the seasonings, maybe? We only get fast food on special days and I notice a huge change in him and he also has a hard time sleeping then.

Also, does your son have any allergies? He might not be getting good sleep if he does because of night waking due to allergies. Think about that and make sure he bathes right before bed and has a clean and dust free room.

These things should help. There is also a homeopathic remedy from Hylands, Calms Forte for kids, that helps my ds fall asleep at bedtime.

Hi C.!

Just a suggestion, maybe since he's a "big boy" and probably doesn't nap like the 18 mo child, maybe he needs quiet time with books in his bed while the little one naps. He can rest & relax with something quiet that he loves to do that won't wake the other one and will give you a break, too. If he gets overtired, maybe he might nap given the chance to NOT nap but merely play quietly, he might play himself out. :)

I had a neighbor who had 4 kids & did daycare for over 20 years, after lunch EVERYONE, even the big kids, rested quietly or read books until the little ones woke up or mom said they could get up. It was a nice break for everyone.

Good luck!
D.

Sounds just like my 5 yr old. He's not a great sleeper to begin with and on his worst days has only had about 6 hours of sleep. He has Tourette's and ADHD, but he is only aggressive and overemotional when he hasn't slept. What we have to do when he gets explosive is just insist that he take a nap if he can't calm himself down. I try to sit with him and help him calm down when he's having an exhaustion based meltdown, but the lights and noises around him make it very difficult. I think at their age, it's just very hard for them to get a handle on their emotions when they're tired; think about how difficult it is for us to deal when we're exhausted. I don't think your son will grow up to have an anger problem if you just keep reenforcing the appropriate ways to express frustration and then help him learn to calm himself down. We have to just let the tantrum run its course, but my son has an easier time if he's in his quiet space. Good luck.

C.
My son is the same way however it also has to do with food too. He is 8 now able to control the physical things better. I have to remember to make sure he has enough snacks and rest or he is a nut. I try to head things off before they happen. Do errands when well rested and when the tiredness starts I isolated the offender I put in my room with shades shut and the TV on for a little RR then he is good to go. This will likely not change but how you react and cope will. Good Luck!
J.