3 Yr Old Busy Body

Updated on December 23, 2008
B.H. asks from Crescent City, FL
11 answers

Hi mom's. My 3 yr old son is such a busy body. He is constantly moving from the time he gets up in the morning till he goes to bed at night. He can not sit still long enough to do anything. Even if he is watching a movie, he will sit for maybe 2 minutes, but then he is up walking around still watching the movie. I've tried working with him to get him ready for pre-k next year, but he won't sit still long enough to do anything. It constantly wears me out. Does anyone else have this problem? Is it just his age?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you ladies. I thought I was the only one running around with a child with so much energy. Now I know I am not the only one!!

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Miami on

B.,

My 3 year old son is the same way. My two oldest were the same way also. It is just this age, I think. I don't know what to tell you except maybe get him outside and let him run off some steam. That seems to help my little guy quite a bit. I take him outside let him play on his swingset and when he comes back inside he is ready to just hang out and watch a movie.

Good luck.

S.
35 y/o SAHM of 3 boys
14, 6 and 3

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

Hi B.,

My second daughter was exactly like that. I thought she was just hyperactive like a lot of kids. When I detoxed my house for the safety of my Dad with Alzheimer's her behavior changed drastically and she STOPPED tapping her feet in her sleep. (We use to call her our Jack Russell terrier, lol) The chemicals were affecting her and I didn't even know it.

Let me now if you want more information.

Regards,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

My son is very busy as well. We started doing things like going to the library for storytime so that he would learn to sit and listen. We took a snack and a drink that he would have during the reading. We also did things like take a Musikgarten class, gymnastics at the Y, etc so that he could focus on listening skills and following directions. You might try turning the tv off too. Some kids are very distracted by the tv and their behavior intensifies after watching the tube for awhile. With a high energy child you really have to have things planned out and lots of activities on hand.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.B.

answers from Orlando on

B.-- my son is three, and he's exactly the same way!! I don't know where he gets his energy! It makes for a long day because he doesn't have much of an attention span. He's like your son-- no matter what he's doing, he's usually running, climbing, or jumping. Maybe it's a boy thing, because my 20-month-old son is constantly in motion, too. I couldn't even get a decent Christmas card picture of them this year, because I couldn't get them to stand still long enough! But I wouldn't worry about school-- for some strange reason, kids are willing to do things at school that they won't do at home. I couldn't believe it when I saw my son sitting at a table with his little friends, doing crafts and having snack. Maybe it's because all their peers are doing it, or maybe it's because the teacher is running the show, not Mommy? I'm not sure. At home, he's a wild man. The best I can do is try to wear my guys out on the playground, although they STILL have energy to spare!! I'm the one who's exhausted afterward, from chasing my baby, who always runs for the exit! :) Unfortunately we can't do things like storytime at the library, because my sons want to run around the room, and we have to leave so we don't ruin it for others. At this point I have to stick to things where they can run and climb and jump, like playgrounds and Monkey Joe's. Oh, and they love to go to Mr. Richard music shows (he's a great local children's musician) because they love music, and they love to dance around. www.mrrichard.net

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.G.

answers from Boca Raton on

I'm right there with you B.. It can drive you nuts sometimes, can't it. From what I hear, and this is from therapists, teachers and parents alike (and I asked a whole lot of them): welcome to the world of 3 year old boys. Its just the age. My son is in pre-school, does very well and I am told is just a normal 3 year old boy (although on the active side for sure.) They settle down a bit before 5, I hear. I hope that's true. Every professional I spoke with said this is too early for him to be tested for any attention or sensory issues. They cannot accurately test for those type of problems until they are at least five. I am especially sensative to it because my father-in-law had very bad ADHD and they are saying now that a family history could contribute. But I am assured that this behavior in a three year old boy is completely normal. Just give him plenty of playground time. Try not to worry and just go with it. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Boca Raton on

HI, It may be a good idea to consult an occupational therapist as they can work with him to help him focus and sit still. He may have sensory issues which would cause him to constantly look for sensory input from his environment. My son had this <sensory processing disorder> and he was like the energiser bunny. The OT helped a great deal. Good luck!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Gainesville on

Hi brandy .. I am so right there with you . My son who will be 4 in march . is the excat same way .. He is a good boy but has an enormous amount of energy . I just try to tell myself that he will gain more attention span as he gets older, My son LOVES to play games on the computer. with PBS.com ... Playhousedisney.com and nickjr.com.. its the only way I can keep him still for more than 5 min .. Let me know about the responces you get , I am surely interested. thanks and good luck.

A mom in the same boat,
Christy

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Gainesville on

How much sugar does he get a day in different things? Check to see hoiw much Red Dye 61 (I think) that might do it too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Pensacola on

B.,
My boys were the same. I wouldn't worry about getting them ready for "pre-k". Pre-K gets them ready for kindergarten. My son had a ball at pre-k, and is now doing well in kindergarten. Enjoy this time, they grow up way too fast.
C.
WAHM

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Daytona Beach on

my daughter was the same way and my son is also. if you are able to get into a good vpk program i wouldn't worry about it because a lot of times the kids act differently at home then they do at school. for me, i'm thankful my kids are active since there are so many who aren't. i also put on tv for them and they'll watch for a few minutes and then get down and play. does he like to color? my kids will spend quite a while coloring and playing with play doh. sometimes it just takes you sitting at the table with them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Miami on

It's definitely the age. I don't know how they do it, but the teachers seem to get them all to sit down and pay attention - even at the age of 2. It blows my mind. My kids are good all day at school and then are off the wall again when they come home. It's just part of being a toddler/preschooler.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches