Help settling an over active child.

Anon Imperfect Mum

Help settling an over active child.

Hi ladies, I'm looking for your experiences with magnesium oils for over active kids and any other helpful tips you have. my son has issues with being hyperactive and it's takeing a toll on the whole family the last couple of weeks with stress and our household has gone bonkers, especially me. I'm feeling like the worst mum because his constant talking, annoying of his younger brother and crazy movements is so hard to handle lately I'm finding he causes my anxiety to spike almost immediately when he comes home from school some days. There's constant fights between him and his brother because he uses his brother as an outlet to annoy and keep himself occupied. Once he is told a million times to leave him alone it's onto following me around and I just feel terrible that almost every day for the last week I just want him to be calm and give the crazy a break. We are currently seeing an OT which he only just started and she believes he has a sensory processing issue. He doesn't get enough sleep and I'm hopeing magnesium may help him settle at night. Any other helpful hints on how to keep him settled and distracted would also be amazing as well as calming techniques for myself to ease the stress so I stop feeling like a giant failure for not spending any time with him where I enjoy his company. I would like to add He is completely unaware of the toll it's takeing on me and I do mostly well with not showing it so I don't think it's just a cycle of attention seeking or anything along those lines. He has limited screen time and finds it difficult to play with toys by himself or do any kind of play unless Myself or his brother interact with him.

Posted in:  Health & Wellbeing, Behaviour, Kids

2 Replies

Anon Imperfect Mum

I'd be seeking a paed assessment as what you describe has some hallmarks of ADHD, and like the OT said, possibly a SPD as well. A formal assessment will help identify areas he needs assistance and to get the right tools in place to help him.

Some parents find giving their kids a cup of coffee (just a spoonful of instant) actually assists with settling them, as weird as it sounds. Might be something to try as it doesn't require prescription and can't do much harm as any negative side effects would wear off quickly. Read the linked about halfway down the page under "The ADHD connection": http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun01/dangersip.aspx

You could also look at a dose of melatonin to assist with sleep. You will need a script for that.

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Anon Imperfect Mum

I am married to the Adult version.
He had muscle spasms one day so I gave him some magnesium tablets.
He said his mind has never felt clearer.
He is also on anti anxiety meds.

He hasnt stopped taking them, he doesn't get so stressed so quick.

Also when old enough lessons in an instrument.

Hubby plays everything, our house is full of ever instrument imaginable, when he was younger it helped him to focus, the music calms him down.
Depending on the song I can pick his mood and get us ready for a chaotic or restful day

It may just help.

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