I Need Advise on 4 Year Old Boy and His Attention Span and Discipline.

My daughter doesn't have ADD or ADHD, but she is similar to your son. I have had the same issues and she hasn't been diagnosed with it, but her issues are so extreme, they were thinking of admiting her to the phsych ward at UVRMC and she is only 9. If you get any good ideas, I hope you wouldn't mind sharing. I am so glad I found this website so there are other mothers that can help. One counselor told me to make a time everynight, that it is just you and your child. 15-30 min. Turn all tv's off, ignore the phone and do what your child wants to do in that half hour. I have noticed my kids are alot happier now that the have mommy and me time. That maybe a option. Just some ideas my daughters counselor offered. Also let her paint through his feelings. My daughter loves that. have him paint what he is feeling or how he sees the world and work from that.

Hi J.,
in reading your request I did not notice that he is in pre-school, is he? I wonder if they may help and also get him used to his peers being that kindergarten is around the corner for him. If you are planning to home school, then I guess this advice will not work. As far as ADHD goes, I think it wise to get him in the school environment and get SEVERAL opinions from teachers and doctors before you go down that road. Nowadays, they are so quick to put kids on meds and I think they jump the gun quite often. I only have daughters so I am unsure of "typical" boy behaviors, but if you read my request on sibling rivalry you'll see that I am no expert on listening and punishment. It is a hard road and I am on it with you. Best of Luck to you.
~ L.

It sounds like he is a typical boy to me, but for "discipline" I recommend Love and Logic classes. It has saved my family and is wonderful. I saw changes within the first 2 weeks. Visit loveandlogic.com to learn the philosophy and see if it's something you want to pursue.

As for attention span, my son sounds a bit similar. I started to get rid of toys. Too many toys doesn't mean he will play with them. It's almost as if they can't make a decision when there are so many options. Unload as many as you can and only keep a few good ones. This helped me alot. We also started drawing and clay modeling and such to keep him sitting in 1 spot for longer then 5 minutes. Also, is he in preschool. That helped my son learn structure and rules and he has no problems sitting still anymore.

Look up www.naturalcures.com It will change your life!

I feel your pain sister. I have a 10 year old son who is severe ADHD and you just identified him to a T. Raising my son is like raising 3 kids all in one. He was diagnosed when he was 5 as ADHD . I did not start medication until he was 6 years old. Medication works and so does therapy. Does your son Act out and not like to mind? Alot of children who suffer with ADHD also have oppositional behavior. I think that is the problem that I suffer with the worst. He does not want to obey. everything is a fight. My son is also spoiled and has to constantley be entertained. He can rarley drive in the car for no longer then 20 min. before he is bored and needs a movie turned on or his game boy. It sounds to me like you are doing agood job though. I have to admit you sound alot like me with your parenting skills. There is some great support groups in the area. i am not sure where you live however if you write me back and let me know I can give you a list of some good therapist/dr. who can help you and your son. Believe me I have been to every doctor in the area. and I know who is good and who is not. Going to Support classes with my husband has really helped us cope with the stress that comes with raising a child who is ADHD. they give you a lot of good insight on the disease and how to cope with your son and with your mental being. Good luck. would like to hear from you again.