my 4yr old

[madamvee360]

My 4 yr old daughter is very smart and extremely wel spoken for her age, but talks incessantly from morning to night.Has trouble focusing or concerntrating on anything for long periods of time, When she talks she is yelling not talking all the time which drives me a little crazy. She talks to strangers like they are friends which scares me. She never sits still ever. I cant take her to a movie cause she never sits still.Apparently I was exactly the same I was and have been bullied my entire life for it. I dropped out of school at the end of yr 11 because i just couldnt seem to concerntrate and everything bored me at school. I really dont wish for my daughter to end up like me. But I am a single mum and dont want to fail my daughter I need help working out what to do and what my options are?.. I have restricted her diet to fresh fruit and vegies and very little sugar  but It doesnt seem to make alot of difference and have have been able to win with an 8 pm bedtime routine which is working but still she seems to have crazy amounts of energy. Im always tired and really dont know what to do about as my parents did nothing about it with me and just ostrasized me for it.. please i need help thankyou

[Sandman2]

   By the way, there are several sets of books that are aimed at the 4 to 7 year old crowd.  The books are illustrated and are meant to be read to them.  Perfect thing to do at bed time.  I think that many of them might be worth getting.  
     The "learning to get along" series can be found here - http://www.amazon.com/Polite-Kind-Learning-Get-Along/dp/1575421518/ref=pd_sim_b_6
     There is also the "way I feel" series which is here - http://www.amazon.com/When-Feel-Angry-Way-Books/dp/0807588970/ref=pd_sim_b_2
      These will open up avenues of discussion for you.  

[Sandman2]

    A brief comment on diet.  Restricting sugar is always a good idea.  But there is no proven link to sugar and ADHD or kids being hyper.  See myth #4 here - http://www.medhelp.org/add-adhd/articles/Dont-Believe-These-10-ADD-ADHD-Lies/5
  If you are interested in reading about foods that can make possibly make more hyperactive, then there is a good link here from the ADHD forum - http://www.medhelp.org/add-adhd/slideshows/9-Worst-Foods-for-ADD---Plus-1-That-Can-Help/20
    Note - I am not suggesting that she has ADHD, but these are healthy diet tips for anyone.
    
    I do hope that she is getting some protein in her diet.  That is important at her age or any age.
     Best wishes.

[AUSTIN431]

i don't give my daughter any medication and i never will and i would never suggest it for any elses child i think kids are way to young for drugs they just need help from people who understand their behavior and can help them learn because therapy and advice from people who understand autism and what my daughter needs to help her has made us understand why she acts the way she does how we need to respond to help her and has improved her behavior so much labels can be put on children to much but i would hate to think of where my daughter would be right now if i had let her speech and other problems go as just kid stuff

[margypops]

It was not directed at you per say it was an observation and my opinion ..too many time labels are put on Children without other problems in the family coming to light.,I always feel its best to check out the dynamics before it becomes a drama of Adhd and other labels.whcih very often means heavy drugs that have many side effects ....I understand you were being helpful and madam should see her Doctor about her concerns .

[AUSTIN431]

*for her daughter not doctor* sorry typo

[AUSTIN431]

i'm not labeling her daughter i suggested a doctors consult which is what she needs to do for her doctor no can but a professional can tell her if its normal kids stuff or something more and that is with testing but she should be aware of this for two years everyone told my daughter was just speech delayed but i felt like it was more and i was right we got her diagnosis of autism so if you can have a young child you should always be aware that it could be something more because the younger they get help the better

[margypops]

May I ask if she has any siblings ? Restricting the diet of a 4 year old does not seem like a good idea I suggest that you ask the doctor regarding her eating,in fact speaking to him/her may be a good idea before you start putting labels up...

[AUSTIN431]

its hard but you'll see a big improvement in her behavior once she starts getting the help she needs and younger she is the more successful her therapies will be

[madamvee360]

Thankyou to you also Christine I really appreciate the help from you both Ijust dont want to fail my daughter at all I want what is best for her and to help her and not allow it to hinder her growth and her schooling and thank goodness my daughter attends a kindy where there are teachers that really work so well with our children and they let me know if there are any behavioural issues.

[madamvee360]

Thankyou so much for the response.Atleast I now Know Im not alone with issues such as these, I appreciate all your help

[ChristineMP]

I agree with Austin...have her checked out. There are many things that can be done to help both you and your daughter.

[AUSTIN431]

you need to talk to her doctor and rule out any vision and hearing problems which is routine before you can move on to is this a emotional issue or a learning disability like autism or ADHD  your doctor will probably refer you to a child psychologist, a developmental pediatrician, or another mental health professional depending on what they think your child needs they will give your child various tests to evaluate such things as her memory and her problem-solving and listening skill and ask you questions about her usual behavior and how she reacts to different situations and then they will be able to give you a answer to whats going on with her