Hyperactive Boys

Sports? I was one of those kids, aways running and whatnot, mom and dad coached all of us in soccer and running. Just a suggestion. Good luck, Jen

Hi D.,
Wow, if we could just bottle that energy and give it to the parents instead! Ha ha... I don't know if you've thought about this before, but a good Taekwondo Martial arts class might be fun to get the kids into! Everyone is different of course, but my husband and I grew up doing this and loved to channel our energy this way. If you find a good instructor, your children can get their energy out and learn positive ways to handle themselves. I say Taekwondo because it can be quite aerobic when kicking and punching up and down the classroom and doing drills. I have to say that I am looking for an inexpensive one for my kids here in Gainesville, but have been completely shocked by the monthly tuition of some of the Taekwondo schools here. Just a suggestion, there are many other avenues to take, but I found so many benefits for me in my life because of practicing this martial art.
Oh another suggestion.... recently I have been complimenting my kids when they do things right - it goes a long way and some terrible behavior has been eliminated by doing this. Until the next thing!
Good luck!

Not judging you, but just based on what you wrote, it sounds like maybe you can work on discipline strategies. You said you and your husband are constantly saying calm down, sit still, and please listen... I'm sure you probably say and do more than just that, but the reason they have no behavior problems at school is because there are consequences for unacceptable behavior-- and a good teacher lets the kids know what the expectations are in her classoom so the kids don't cross a line and get into trouble. For example, teachers know that kids can't sit still for long periods of time, so they allow for movement whenever possible. If your kids were sitting (like playing video games or watching TV) before dinner and then you expect them to sit still throughout dinner, that's difficult for them. You and your husband need to decide what is acceptable and what is crossing a line (like bouncing or rocking a bit in your seat is OK as long as you are eating, but your bottom must remain in your chair) and then have consequences for crossing the line. You can shorten bedtime or whatever consequences work in your family. Also, I don't allow my kids outside without me and there are times I don't feel like going out, so we have indoor things we allow to soak up energy- like hoola hoops, jump ropes, and a mini trampoline. As for the "please listen", that doesn't have anything to do with hyperactivity-- it has to do with follow through on YOUR end. I can sit at the computer doing my email and telling my son to go brush his teeth a thousand times, or I can ask him once and walk him to the bathroom if he doesn't do it right away.... And one more thing... when my calm, sweet boy hit third grade, he was spacey and had a difficult time paying attention when he was doing a task-- I knew he didn't have ADHD but it was still frustrating to watch him becoming a different kid... then my husband and I went on field trips with his class, had lunch with him in the cafeteria, and participated as much as possible with school activities where we saw other kids his age and felt way better about how "normal" he is!! Boys are a joy, but they do exhaust us, huh?

boys need sports, etc. soccer is very good. Cut out foods with coloring and preservatives. Hotdogs, etc. try natural sweeteners.

you mention hyperactive and impulsive....please have them tested for adhd. adhd does not equal bad grades.
Pam

Hi , D. :0)
First , kudos to you for not leaving pharmaceutical prescriptions as an option !
It might be something in their diet ; usually sugar is the culprit for hyperactivity ( and even ADHD , not that yours is the case) . There are herbal products for calming as well. I *think* Hyland's , the same company that makes teething tablets , makes a calming formula. If you visit you local health food store , you might find a very knowledgable person who can help you decide what you need to try ; and at the very least , should be able to point you in the direction of the products they do carry for calming.
It would also be good to research diets online ; maybe you could use a diabetic-type diet , since that's one that minimizes sugar consumption ...
best of luck to you. :0)
~ A.

D.,

You've probably already looked it up 100 times, but here's a link to Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperactivity

My brother was put on meds for hyperactivity at age 7 and they didn't work, plus the side effects were horrible. So I agree with your decision to keep them off drugs. My parents just tried to keep my brother very busy. It has been exhausting. He's 15 now and still has trouble focusing and keeping himself from being injured on a regular basis. But he's a good kid. His education was suffering until he got into drama. Now he has a channel to focus his energy and he's actually a pretty good actor. Maybe you could find your sons a good hobby. ???

Good luck. You've got your hands full!

-T.

Are they getting enough sleep? The 4 year old should be getting 11-12.5 hours between nighttime and naps. Not sure about the 7 year old.
Other than that, I agree with finding some outlets for them - probably something outside would be best. My sister was very active like that and once she got involved in soccer it was better.

hi D.
i have four boys and yes, "boys will be boys"...however, moms and dads HAVE to be just that too! you may want to look at their diet...take out sugar and empty carbs...dyes and food coloring...so many chemicals cause craziness in children...up their protein. also, most boys require activity. so what is their after school routine. allow them to be outside...buy a trampoline...jump rope, skate, skateboard, kick ball, etc...wear them out...most make their kids come home and sit down and do homework...i never have. have them come home, get a protein snack or fruit/veg and then "hit the pavement"...get outside and run!!!!! i actually did this for my twins when they were 5...they were not ready for k5 because they were too active and the school would have labeled them as ADD or such. So i "homeschooled" them by going to the park for 5-6hrs a day...we played and ran and I wore them out...when they turned 6..it was a huge change...they settled down and could sit still..and have been just fine ever since. boys need to get rid of theri energy...its natural. most cant stand being inside, sitting down, or tv or computer or xbox...not good for their systems and growth. Get them busy...it will be good for all of you and watch their diet...limit junk/sugar/soda/carbs/dyes, etc..
hope this helps
i have four sons and my life is absolutely amazing...pure joy!
have fun!

In addition to the other suggestions, you may want to try a book called '1-2-3 Magic'.
It offers a great method of disciplining children that is easy to implement and that kids can easily understand; and they respond well to it.
Also, I find, as a Mom who also works full-time, that if I devote 15 or 20 minutes when I first get home from work to my 4 year old, (instead of starting dinner or chores) he is much better able to calm down and involve himself in something that will keep him occupied while I fix dinner...
Good Luck!
(PS Although I think it works for some kids, I found that eliminating foods with food coloring and preservatives did not have a significant effect on my son's behavior)

Hi,

I have one son age 4 and I call him my crazey man. He is so loud at times I would love to invest in earplugs. He always wants to rumble and tumble. I have found that for the sake of my sanity I have him spend a good hour and a half a day doing something very physical outside; ride his bike, play tag with him have his dad kick a soccer ball with him. Just ware them out and enjoy the rest of your night. On the weekends do something very physical with them first thing in the morning. This helps my husband and I, we do this with our 10 year old daughter also who also has a lot of energy. My husband is a teacher and I care for a 4mo old so we are both tired at the end of the day but our kids still need that time and they have plenty of energy to release. We enjoy our peace together after 9:00. On the weekends peace is after 12:00 but you have to get them out earley. We find that they fight and argue less when we do this with them and if we make it an all day Saturday event we have a peaceful Sunday because they are so tired from the day before. This is what makes being a parent fun.

Good luck,
Melanie Ferguson