Toddler overexcitement

Post Reply New Topic

I guess this is probably a question more for the adhd parents out there... I have a 17-month-old boy. It's foster care, we're trying to adopt him. We've had him since birth. He had "minimal" exposure to cocaine and alcohol in the womb and up until now he's been doing fine - very happy, very sociable, and achieving milestones ahead of schedule. No concerns.

At home he's always on the go - people always comment on how "busy" he is. It's manageable though. But over the last month we've started to notice that when we're out around other kids, he gets SO excited - he's happy... but out-of-control with overexcitement. Running around, yelling, throwing things, knocking things over... in situations where the other kids his age are playing quietly. If he goes off and does his own thing he's ok, it's just when he tries to play with the other kids. Has anyone else seen this, at this age? What can I do about it?

My son was like that sometimes, at that age. For him I would say it was sensory issues; over-stimulation. He was really drawn to other children but unable to handle the stimulation of it. Which, at that age, is fine ... you can arrange quieter, smaller interactions for him that suit his temperament better.

I don't believe in forcing anything on kids when they are so little. They need to learn and advance at their own pace. So, when situations don't seem to be positive for them, avoid the situation, assuming it's possible.

My advice is wait a year.... too early to tell for sure.

At 17 months, all my boys, who are "real boys", were pretty uncontrollable at times. One has ADHD, the othet two don't. What I'm saying is that it is good to notice these things, but that it is too early to tell.
My 2 non-ADHD boys turned out active, inquisitive and very very bright. I see the activity as a sign of curiosity and intelligence,... but yes, it can be hard to cope with! At 17 monthes they crawled, climbed, opened, threw stuff and were generally more than a handful. The excitement of having guests sent them into spasms of joy- like little puppies when visitors comes through the front door.

As for how to teach him "coping skills": in some ways I doubt a 17-month old is easy to tether . But you could try having some really neat activity to settle - get him playing in a sand pit...at 17 monthes kids play parallel games, they don't really socialize that much. You could try to get him playing with the same things as the other kids, but not with them, just near them. It sounds like this is your exprience already. So if you keep doing it, it may well pay off.

Your story with your son is very touching, and I can also understand your concerns with minimal exposure to alcohol and coke.
I really hope you can adopt him... it must be quite something to foster a new born baby, what an experience

i'd try to "wear him out" before you plan to take him to socialize with others.