Logan (2 years old) is very energetic, which is great because when he was a baby he had failure to thrive and we thought we might lose him... BUT, his energy is killing me. He is non stop all day long, he climbs on things, dumps stuff over, and just never ever sits still. Now things are getting more severe. He has begun running away from me, like when we go outside he will run into the street. The other day he got out our back door and made it half way down the block, mind you it is freezing cold and he only had on pants and tshirt. He just seems unfazed by everything. He also bites his fingers now when he gets mad. Any suggestions? We are taking him to see some specialists but we are on a waiting list for that.
I feel better already!... Thank you so much for the responses!
I should also mention that he runs aimlessly around the house and screams, not crying screams just LOUD yelling.
He does have to wear glasses because of a wandering eye and he has severe eczema and allergies. He also has tubes in both ears. He is not talking hardly at all yet so I know that really frustrates him, because he can't tell us what he wants.
Other than the biting fingers thing that all sounds very normal.....my 23 month old does the same exact things. They are so excited about their new found abilities and have to test everything out. It is exhausting but it passes.
Make sure your pediatrician checks if the tubes are working. They can get clogged or fall out. And yes, an evaluation at Early Intervention is a great idea, along with another hearing test. (I'm guessing he has had hearing tests if he has had tubes placed in his ears.) I know folks can get concerned about a child being labelled, but really, children who are developing within the broad spectrum of typical growth are screened out by EI. And children who do are not developing typically can receive the assistance and education they need when an educational plan starts early.
As for his energy needs, provide lots of opportunities. I'm thinking a small step stool on a rug, with your permission to run up to and jump off it. Perhaps one of those bouncy balls with the handle loop, so he can bounce all day long! Good luck!
Best of luck!
Personally, from the description you provided, I think he sounds like a NORMAL 2-yr old, ie, being nonstop all day long, climbing on things, dumping things over, not sitting still, wanting to impulsively bolt for the street because something catches his interest, etc. I have a child of my own who is now 5 who went through a similar phase from 1.5 to 3, and is now a fine. I also have done a LOT of nannying of various children around and at that age. Again, it all sounds normal.Put a latch on your doors so he can't get out of the house and let him be 2, while you provide the guidance and structure he will need as he learns what are ultimately appropriate behaviors and what aren't.
On a related note, while I do believe that there are certainly true, diagnosable cases of ADHD, I also feel a disproportionate number of children are overdiagnosed and consequently, overmedicated.From speaking with teachers to being in the social work field myself, I feel there is such a push to rush to diagnose our children with something, namely ADHD. A lot of it can be attributed to the child's environment and the child's personality-where his/her seeming weaknesses can be transformed into strengths. Unless, I'm missing something in your very brief explanation, I am saddened to hear so many parents agreeing with your choice to have your son evaluated. Evaluated for what? How unfortunate to place your son in a position where his developmentally normal behaviors are being responded to with evaluations in search of a diagnosis or an explanation to his "problems." The only think that struck me was in your follow-up message, and that was that he isn't talking very much yet, which may or may not be an issue;nonetheless I would have him evaluated for that just in case any speech delays are arising from auditory perception difficulties, in light of your mentioning tubes in his ears, which indicate a history of ear infevtions.
Best of luck to both you and your son. Things will get easier.
Speaking from experience, there is a big difference between the "active boy" you hear so much about when people blow off your concerns and the Energizer Bunny you may be living with. Your son sounds a lot like ours at age two and at almost seven now, he's already been diagnosed with ADHD.
Unfortunately, at age two, you just have to do your best to survive. However, the specialists may be able to give you some advice to better get by. By age four, our son was a danger to others (the literally off-the-walls energy had expanded to include a lack of focus and impulsive, aggressive behavior), and we started Ritalin. It was a life-changing moment -- same energetic, spirited child, but with an energy level and behavior in the normal range.
Check out the website for ADDitude magazine (www.additudemag.com). You'll find some great resources there and if you search the archives, you should be able to find an article they did about ADHD in preschoolers that might give you some good tips.
Best of luck to you!
ETA: You don't get a diagnosis of ADHD at this age (far too young) and if you are dealing with this valid medical condition (which involves dopamine levels in the brain), it has nothing to do with your parenting skills. You can't "parent" it away, but exercise can provide some relief. Medications when the child is older can correct dopamine deficiencies.
I have a 9 year old that was the exact same way at that age - he's still very energetic and has been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD combined - as well as some sensory integration issues, etc. It was difficult at 2,3,4 yrs. because every time we went to the park or on a playdate/playgroup - I was always the mom chasing my kid around while the other moms sat and chatted.
I ended up turning our family room into a "safe zone" where he couldn't get out or hurt no matter what. It was great for me because I could actually get some things done (i.e. take a shower, cook dinner) without having to worry about him.
We had him evaluated when he was 3 1/2, but we made the choice not to put him on any type of medication. Instead, we enrolled him in tons of activities, some occupational therapy, etc. Swimming was great for him and still is. It enables him to get lots of energy out and helps him focus. We also invested in a play structure and a trampoline! Again, has done wonders for him and us! As hard and exhausting as it is, it really helps if you can find outlets for him to expend his energy. It does get better, but oftentimes 3 can be harder than 2, and 4 harder than 3. I would suggest you definitely have him evaluated - and,, at the same time - find some great outlets for him to expend some of that energy.
I used to take my son to Ikea once a week just so he could run around, climb on furniture, open and close cabinets, etc at his delight! And mine!!
Call your local Early Intervention. They can do an evaluation on him for free.
Without having read the other responses, I cannot stress DIET enough. Remove all casein (milk protein) and gluten from his diet. Check this website- it has helped us IMMENSELY! www.feingold.org
If you can do NOTHING else, remove artificial colors and flavors. It sometimes takes 4 weeks to see results, but they will be drastic and well worth it.
::hugs::
M.
Hello,
I am soooooo glad you are seeking help for your son. So many parents just want to think that all these little things or quirks are just because that is what boys do. There are a couple things in your note that are signs that he possibly needs testing.........biting his fingers and him being unphased by anything. Sounds like he is just in his own little world. My sister is a special education teacher........I am not an expert by any means......I just read alot and listen to her stories of her sweet students. Has your doctor said anything about the possibilty of autism.? I was reading your story to my sister and she commented on the "Failure to Thrive" portion of your story. It can have a huge impact of a child as far as brain function. Many of her students have that in the history notes. She also said that he sounds very overstimulated. She suggested that you research Az special ed laws and see if you can get anywhere with them faster. A waiting list is torture. You sound like you need some answers sooner than later. She said that there might be special laws in place for children with special needs between the ages of 0 to 3. Again , I am happy you recognize your baby needs some help. What a wonderful mom you are. Good luck and I wish the best for you and your family. Take care
I didn't read through all of the responses, but I have an "energetic" 2 year old myself...if you haven't already contact Parents As Teachers, they can do a minor evaluation and help you get soem assistance. We have an orginization here called First Steps that has helped my son a lot. Your son sounds so much like mine, we have had a lot of therapy and come a long way...I don't know where we would be at now if we hadn't had all the help.
Hope this helps
B.
