Hyperactive or just likes to play!

[tgm1974]

My son is 20 months and is constantly on the go. He cannot stay still for more than a min and is off running here and there all the time. I am not complaining that he is so active but when we are out, even when we are home, I just cant get him to sit still. Ive even tried reading a book to him but then he is off and up to find another one or play with a different toy. We went to a BBQ at the weekend and everyone was saying "my goodness, he never stops". Does anyone else experience this or have any advice of how to "slow" him down.

He also has a regular habit of biting or head butting me, the wall, etc which can be a little annoying especially when its directed at someone. Ive been told that this can sometimes mean that it is a sign of intellect -- what do you think?

He is a loving little boy and I know I should rename him the "Duracell Bunny" as Im lucky if I have him in bed and asleep by 9pm!!!!

HELP

[looby1914]

hun it just seems he is a happy full of energy little boy to me. Good luck they get more energy the more they grow lol

[PeeBee1]

I have experience in what you are saying, could be a form of ADHD, just keep an eye on it. There are a set of questions for the diagnosis of ADHD & 3 out of 6 need to be a YES over a six month period.

Good luck, i know how hard it is to even admit to yourself that your child may have a problem, but if it is that you will find it much easier to understand & manage.

[ganesh]

How can you say he is loving if he bites you? Nip that one in the bud for a start. A lot of toddlers go through that phase and that must be dealt with sternly. As far as ADHD is concerned,he probabably has got it but it wont be diagnosed until school age (my daughter had ADD which wasnt diagnosed until 13 yrs as she wasn't very hyperactive!). Intelligence is nothing to do with it really. My daughter is incredibly intelligent but has the typical organisational and attention problems etc.Your son may just be a live wire so enjoy him for what he is,whether he has a 'problem' or not.

[redcrx]

all children go through a phase of biting or hitting, the best way to deal with it is to place the child away from you so they learn that it is not acceptable. it may stem from frustration at not being able to tell you what he wants etc. My daughter was doing it when she got annoyed (shes 15 months) but its gradually stopping and no she just squeezes her fists really tight

[tgm1974]

Thanks everyone - REDCRX has hit the nail on the head in my opinion as Ive been reading some literature about biting - normally stems from the frustration of not being able to communicate what they want and they dont really understand how it can hurt!!

Im sure he will grow out of it but Id just love to find that off switch every now and again - LOL!!

[redcrx]

and most of the boys ive known of that age are running around a lot, so dont be too concerned that it is ADHD just yet.
but give it a go when he is biting, or headbutting, put him down and step back from him. Eventually most will stop the behaviour.

[ganesh]

At 20 months a firm NO would be advisable as well,I'm sure he would understand that!

[sherrardk]

Our youngest children are 17 month old twins (boy and a girl) and the girl is always on the go. She is also starting to bite and head butt the floor in temper. She gets treated just the same as her brother so I think it is her nature that makes her this way. I personally think her biting is done to elicit a response (and she does get told 'No' and put on the sofa when she does) and the head butting is just out of frustration. I'm sure your little boy will grow out of the bad things soon enough and will just carry on being very active. (We have three other children as well, one of whom was a biter, one who was a head butter and one who was very active (and still is)).