ADDHD or Normal 7 year old Boy Behavior

[AKR1]

I'm concerned that my 7-year old son could have borderline ADDHD but at the same time, could this just be normal 7 year old boy behavior? When seeing him play baseball for instance, he loses focus on the field (can't stay in the "ready" position, rolls around in the grass, always looking around himself and not at the game), is constantly "goofing" around in the dugout and doesn't seem to listen to the coaches instructions. I don't see any of his teammates acting in the same manner. At home, he has a hard time listening and following instructions, we have to tell him several times to do or not to do something, he interrupts my husband and my conversation, changes subjects when talking mid-stream, and has a tendancy to be very talkative at times. When playing with friends, he never knows when to "stop" goofing around, often to the frustration of some of his friends. However, having said all of this, he is doing well with his schoolwork (I never struggle with homework issues), has a good focus with his piano lessons and has plenty of friends at school. He never has had serious discipline issues at school and the teachers/coaches/principal say he's a very sweet boy that is well liked. However, in seeing a lot of the other boys in his class, my son appears more immature and rather impulsive. Would you consider the above behavior typical for a 7 year old boy or could he possibly have symptoms of ADDHD?

[Agoodmom]

I agree and believe that you are a very intellectual mother and teacher!! I have an 8 year old son who since the first grade has been in trouble at school for excessive talking and playing around. I on the other hand do not have hardly any behavior problems with him at home, he is kind, friendly, loving, and gets along with everyone. He does most of his homework on his own without help, and sits very quietly while doing it. His teacher suggested moving him up a grade last year since he is an honor role student and was at a fourth grade reading level at the age of 7 to see if maybe his problem was from being bored with class work that was not challenging enough for him, but when moved to the next grade it was decided that his maturity level was not that of the other kids so he was moved back. He often misses the "20" minute recess time at school for bad behavior, which I believe just adds to the endless energy that all kids have. I work as a substitute teacher and I see different school's discipline policies and classroom rules all the time. I have seen few that actually allow kids to be kids and ones who take the appropriate steps to teaching kids how to use self control.

I believe that too much is expected out of elementary kids when it comes to having to sit in a classroom for 8 hours a day with barely any activity time, and teachers wanting them to be silent all day. Kids are kids, they are playful, silly, talkative, fidgety, curious, rebellious at times and still trying to learn and figure everything out. I am tired of teachers and schools wanting 7 and 8 year old children to act like 12 year old kids!!

[Sandman2]

   hyperglycemia is one thing.  Sugar has no proven link to ADHD - see myth #4
   http://www.medhelp.org/add-adhd/articles/Dont-Believe-These-10-ADD-ADHD-Lies/5
      However, I agree completely about a good diet.   And by the way, if sugar is the main culprit, I would be seeing my doctor about that.

[ginaco]

SUGAR SUGAR SUGAR is hugely the culprit in my opinion we are dealing with hypoglycemia on many levels when their poor little bodies do not know what to do with all the refined sugar, white flour, white pasta they ingest etc. etc. The adrenaline kicks in and the blood sugar levels go wacko!!  So.... less sugar and a really good multi-mineral vitamin (with NO food coloring) and hugely calcium magnesium before bed is helping immensely with my 7 year old boy.  It turns his into an attentive, sweetheart:) I am a stay at home mom who has dealt with all levels of hyper, hyper, hyperactivity in my boy. (ADHD child)

[Sandman2]

      I think the key words here are "extremely bright" and is "only 7".   Kids who are young and very bright have minds that work faster than their common sense.  They don't yet have the maturity to be more diplomatic.  Its pretty much a "me" generation kind of thing.  However, they do quickly learn what works and adapt to it.
     It sounds like he has figured out what works at school (and sad to say for you) what works at home.  I think that he is not so much zoning you out as he has learned that it is a easy way to get what he wants.  Honestly none of the things you have mentioned are ones that would suggest ADD.  It does suggest a very sharp kid (immature) who is bending his surroundings to his needs.  
   Suggestions:  First, do enjoy him.  This is going to be a ride for you.  He will definitely get better as he matures.  However, he will also become more calculating (dare I say sneaky).
You need to be very clear in your expectations.  Both you and your husband need to always present a unified front (so he can't play one against the other).  If you do punish him on the spur of the moment - he will probably use that to his advantage.  Use immediate timeouts for a few more years (get "SOS Help for Parents," by Lynn Clark. for very effective ways to use this) and then when he breaks rules - maybe around age 10 - tell him that you will decide what to do and let him know the next day.
     And you know the experience of school psychologists and teachers are not just for kids.  Use their expertise to help you.  Chances are his teachers have also had very bright kids.  I was fortunated enough to have had a lot of them.  They taught me a lot and hopefully I was able to do the same for them.  Point being - get their suggestions too.  Hope this helps.  Best wishes.
  

[slrr]

I am so happy to read these posts and know I am not the only person in the "wondering what is going on with my son" stage. My son has always been an extrememly bright boy... but he has a hard time expressing himself and is very impulsive when he doesnt get his way or is upset about something. In school he is fine, does not get in any trouble.. the teachers say he is very well liked... he actually one the award for being the student of the month. He has a lot of friends, but he is only 7. I worry as he grows up other kids are not going to tolerate these impulsive behaviors he exhibits. In Kindergarten I had him going to the school psychologist to work on his impulse reactions and the psychologist said he was doing much better. This year he did not continue with the class because they said he was fine. I wonder if he is ADD or ADHD because at home also he has a hard time following simple directions and tunes my husband and I out. He almost seems lazy, but we realize he is zoning us out. If he does have ADD or ADHD we would not medicate him, so does anyone have suggestions on how to cope? help him? THANKS

[Sandman2]

  I have one very important question.  Do his teachers see the same problem.  Forget the grades - at this grade level a very smart kid will coast.  Does he break their rules?  Does he get into trouble at recess?  Does he interrupt the teacher?  Did he have a bad time at the start of the year and then adjusted to school and is now not having these problems?