How do you determine hyperactivity? Or what is normal?

TJ1979 · January 2015

E never stops. Like, never stops. She never stops talking, she never stops moving. It's like she is incapable of sitting down and relaxing at all. I know that toddlers are very energetic little creatures. But what sort of signs should I watch for that could be indicative of being abnormal? Or can signs even show up at this age? (She's 2.5.)

Her cousin is diagnosed ADHD, and I've seen all the difficulties they have been through trying to get a diagnosis, trying to get help, trying to find non-prescription treatments, and trying drug after drug with horrible side effects. So if this is something we may be faced with in the future, I'd like to learn as much as I can before hand.

Some of her typical behaviors include running laps around the living room. For extended periods of time. She has run a full mile at the park and not even slowed down. During bedtime routine, when it is time for her story, she runs in circles around P and I. She cannot sit down and focus. Even if I let her choose the story, and I know she's interested in the story. She is just constantly running. And the whole time she's running, she's talking. My ears get soo tired!

I've also wondered about food dyes being an issue. Anyone have an experience with food dyes and behavior issues? I know that if I give her one single fruit snack, she loses it, and runs around screaming for an hour. Like, harder and faster and crazier than normal. Should I evaluate all of her foods for dyes? I don't think we have many foods with dye in the house -- our meal plans are pretty limited by P's sensitivities, but she does get snacks like goldfish, and I know they have food dyes.

Or am I just being silly? Is this all normal? Is she just an active, busy child? What say ye SAIF?

Robeano · January 2015

I know from experience I had two cousins that were sensitive to red dye, some of the behaviours definitely included hyper behaviour. Now one was actually ADHD, but my aunt refused to use medications and did behaviour therapy with him. He turned out awesome. But I've seen red food dye cause issues in a few kids.

On the other hand, it can be normal for toddlers to be very energetic. But I really have no comparison cuz Hannah is abnormal in her calmness.

I hope you figure it out.

luvboston · January 2015

Does she act like this at daycare as well?

TJ1979 · January 2015

She doesn't go to daycare @luvboston. We have a nanny who watches her at the house. She does seem a little more wound up at night than during the day, but yes, she is still nonstop for the nanny.

itsmevkb · January 2015

I think she's a little young to be worried. I would wait and see what happens as she gets older, matures and starts school. Some kids just have a lot of energy they need to burn off and I think all kids naturally get krankier as the day goes on, especially if they are no longer napping.

I have kids who never.stop.talking and it can be very taxing. Never, while desperately trying to get pregnant did I think I'd want to not hear my children talk to me but yea, I'm there.

jesselayne8 · January 2015

No idea about the hyper activity but I am fairly certain goldfish don't have dyes. Even for the colored ones they use beet juice etc to dye them. Cereals can be tricky though. I am amazed how brown cereals requires every color of the rainbow to make them brown. I try really hard to avoid dyes. My kids only act like E after ice cream. DH thinks bedtime is a good time for ice cream, of course.

mdiblasi10 · January 2015

G has days like that. He is non-stop go, go, go. And he goes to daycare every day, and is still sometimes that way in the evenings. I really believe at 2 1/2 that it's simply the fact that he is a toddler and is in such a huge learning period. I know that it can be hard on us as parents... some nights I can barely get G dressed for bed, ha!

I am also one of those people that believes ADD/ADHD/and the related "conditions" are misdiagnosed a lot! Some kids just have more energy. I just hate to see so many kids thrown on medications. Anyways, I am just ranting now and I'm not saying that's always the case, but I will stop now.

I am not a doctor, but I would guess that E just has lots of energy because she's young

Is she enrolled in any activities outside of what she does at home? Like swimming? Or toddler gymnastics? Maybe something like that would help get some of that energy out and give her mind something to focus on and learn about. I know that it helps us when G gets a lot of outside time after school too.

luvboston · January 2015

Sorry I forgot! My sister has ADHD it wasn't diagnosed until she was in college because she sort of got along well enough. However when she used to get food dye as a kid she literally hit the ceiling, she would try to climb the walls. Same thing happened with kids meds with dye. She was never a kid that would sit and read, she would be running around reading.

I would see if you could get a yogibo or something like that, they are great for kids with hyperactivity it helps them calm down by being cushioned and try to force her into quiet time for 5 mins a day.

You are already eligible for an assessment with the school system but I would wait. What I would not want is her to go to school then constantly be scolded for being to active or not sitting. I think that causes long term detriment.

Mrs.AmyDylan · January 2015

Can you put a pedometer on her? Just for funzies, of course!

But in seriousness, she sounds pretty normal, but I see your concern. I'm with Chi on the elimination diet (you are good at those!). Then maybe give her something with red dye and start a timer and see if you can notice a difference at 30 min, 1 hr, etc with normal activity.

TJ1979 · January 2015

said:

No idea about the hyper activity but I am fairly certain goldfish don't have dyes. Even for the colored ones they use beet juice etc to dye them. Cereals can be tricky though. I am amazed how brown cereals requires every color of the rainbow to make them brown. I try really hard to avoid dyes. My kids only act like E after ice cream. DH thinks bedtime is a good time for ice cream, of course.

Well google would suggest that you are right, haha. The nanny and I were discussing the food dye situation, and she had mentioned that she had a kid when she worked in day care who was sensitive to dyes so he wasn't allowed to eat goldfish or cheez its. Thanks for correcting this misinformation.

TJ1979 · January 2015

said:

No idea about the hyper activity but I am fairly certain goldfish don't have dyes. Even for the colored ones they use beet juice etc to dye them. Cereals can be tricky though. I am amazed how brown cereals requires every color of the rainbow to make them brown. I try really hard to avoid dyes. My kids only act like E after ice cream. DH thinks bedtime is a good time for ice cream, of course.

Well google would suggest that you are right, haha. The nanny and I were discussing the food dye situation, and she had mentioned that she had a kid when she worked in day care who was sensitive to dyes so he wasn't allowed to eat goldfish or cheez its. Thanks for correcting this misinformation.

said:

I am also one of those people that believes ADD/ADHD/and the related "conditions" are misdiagnosed a lot! Some kids just have more energy. I just hate to see so many kids thrown on medications. Anyways, I am just ranting now and I'm not saying that's always the case, but I will stop now.

I am not a doctor, but I would guess that E just has lots of energy because she's young Is she enrolled in any activities outside of what she does at home? Like swimming? Or toddler gymnastics?

I absolutely agree with the misdiagnosis or over-diagnosis off add/adhd. I was so skeptical when my nephew was "diagnosed" with add/adhd. So was his mom. She fought it tooth and nail and was refusing to put him on meds. But once he started to have self esteem issues, saying he was too stupid to pay attention, too dumb to listen, etc., she knew something had to be done.
And yes, we are hoping to get her into soccer or tumbling soon. Our area doesn't offer it until age 3. Hopefully once we move, I can get her in something.

said:

Sorry I forgot! My sister has ADHD it wasn't diagnosed until she was in college because she sort of got along well enough. However when she used to get food dye as a kid she literally hit the ceiling, she would try to climb the walls. Same thing happened with kids meds with dye. She was never a kid that would sit and read, she would be running around reading. I would see if you could get a yogibo or something like that, they are great for kids with hyperactivity it helps them calm down by being cushioned and try to force her into quiet time for 5 mins a day. You are already eligible for an assessment with the school system but I would wait. What I would not want is her to go to school then constantly be scolded for being to active or not sitting. I think that causes long term detriment.

Exactly this! That's why I'm trying to be proactive so I can keep my eye out and see what needs to be done, if anything. I don't think anything needs to be done now, I just wanted to see whether to worry or not.

Chi and Amy, now that I realize my mistake with the crackers, I will look into the food dye situation again. I, of all people, should know better than to trust someone else on what is in food! No label, no way is my motto. Haha. And I will definitely try the evening music. My ears get so worn out from her non-stop-ness, but hopefully the music will help us both.

TJ1979 · January 2015

WTH. I can't quote.

And I got spam blocked? This is ridic.

BabyKsMommy · January 2015

Does she still nap?

mnj05 · January 2015

Food dyes can have an effect, I've seen that first hand. As a teacher, most of my "ADHD" kids are not truly ADHD. I've had a few in my short career so far that you can tell a distinct difference.

I would also try some food things and see how she acts in a few years. I understand the concern though, things run through my head all the time!

amandaleigh1 · January 2015

E is certainly a lot more active than D, but I am sure within the limit of "normal". I think D tends to the "not moving enough" end of the spectrum-- he insists I carry him from time to time. I don't think I would worry about ADHD just yet. I don't actually think being ADHD is really not normal anyway--I think of it as just not the most common way that people's brains work and bodies move. Also our current society is just not particularly tolerant of the ADHD phenotype.

Millie1984 · January 2015

E sounds like she has more energy than D --but D is about a year younger, so thats probably partially why. I don't really have much knowledge about ADHD or food dyes, so I don't feel comfortable speaking to that specifically, but in terms of children with tons of energy...

D is 17 months and has so much energy. There are a few gymboree-type classes for his age right now, but they are very expensive so we haven't tried them yet. I find the best thing for him is to just take him to the local park, where there is a big playground and let him go. Of course, since he is little, he can't climb on all the stuff yet, but there is still enough for him to do to use up his energy. Plus, we only have a small yard, so one of the biggest things about the park is just the unlimited space to run. It really helps a lot.

We live in New York, so this time of year it gets difficult because its been cold and its hard to get outside for blocks of time. But unless its like below 30 degrees or so we really to try to get out for a bit every day,

ETA- just re -read your OP and saw that you did mention that she does go to the park and runs a lot already. So, sorry if my suggestion isn't that original or helpful lol...

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