3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

My son just turned 3 the end of May. To me, he is a typical 3 year old. As long as he isn’t over-tired/ cranky he’s overall a decent listener. Yes, sometime I have to repeat myself but for the most part he completes tasks in a timely fashion. He has a lotttttttt of energy though and my husband stresses me out because he sometimes throws out the word ADHD. I really don’t think my son has this as he will sit still during his meals, during short shows, during play as long as he is interested, during dentist visits. However we just signed him up for karate and quite honestly it’s embatrassing. Today was his 3rd class and I told the instructor that we are going to just pull him out and wait another year before trying again. My son lasts about the first 10 minutes and then you’re lucky if you could get his attention for the rest of the session. He’s crawling, jumping, acting like a dinosaur or dog, etc. he is sometimes an issue in stores too, wants to run away from us a lot. I began taking away his dinosaurs when he doesn’t listen and stay next to us because the running away from me in stores stresses me out and I am trying to stress the importance of “stranger danger”. I guess I’m just a worried, stressed out, first time mom. Is this typical of a 3 year old? My son was never in daycare nor any type of school. I have him enrolled to start preschool this September and I’m worried that he’ll be all over the classroom and not listen to the instructor. I feel like when he gets out to different environments he thinks it’s a free for all. I thought I maintained structure in the home but it appears that the kid has no structure. Am I doing something wrong or is this just a typical 3 year old phase that will pass?

Message edited 7/25/2018 9:34:21 PM.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

He sounds like a typical 3 year old to me

Maybe a bit active but typical

If you have any reservations talk to your pediatrician

I can only say my son had spd and suspected adhd and when I say he’s always in motion. He’s always in motion.

Constantly moving. Running. Bashing into walls. Climbing. No concept of danger.

He’s a sensory seeker so he craves these things

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Of course I can’t say for certain but to me he sounds typical.

3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Sounds typical. I would actually keep him in karate. He’s never been in school but karate over time will help improve his focus and such. Any environment essentially is a “free for all” when kids feel couped up.. think about it if you let him out in a park or play place he would just run and be all over.... normal. Karate is the first time you are asking him to be “disciplined” and focused on one task outside of the home

Message edited 7/26/2018 8:10:01 AM.

3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Sounds pretty typical of a 3 year old.
My son does have ADHD. He can not stop moving for even a minute. Everything is a battle. He takes meds and he is still constantly going, going going. From the moment he wakes til the moment he falls asleep. He literally barely stops to go to the bathroom - I swear he does a run by. I took him someplace the other day and after 10 minutes the 2 women looked at me and said you must be exhausted.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Sounds typical to me.

3 is a little young to be concerned about ADHD. Sounds like he is able to sit still and focus when he knows what's expected of him. As far as Karate, either he's bored, or he doesn't yet understand what is is expected, and also - he's 3.

It seems like you have created structure for him since he is well behaved at home, he just needs more experience outside of the home. He has to learn what is expected - but over all, when preschoolers are bored, things are gonna get crazy lol.

3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Sounds like a typical 3 year old boy to me!
3 is such a rough age. People always talk about the terrible 2s, but I swear 3s are worse.
DS’s karate school won’t even take kids under 5. I tried when he was 4.5 and he was all over the place, and by that time he was in school 5x/week. Once he turned 5 I enrolled him again and it was a world of difference.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

Thank you so much for the replies, ladies. It’s hard being a first time mom and I thought I was over that phase but then my son turned 3 and it was a whole new world. I really don’t know why people say terrible 2’s. I feel like 3’s are way different and worse. He’s a constant tester lately. Seeing how far he can push the envelope. I stay very consistent with his discipline. I hope he’ll soon grow out of this phase because yes, it is exhausting. I figured 3 would be too young for karate but I also thought it might be helpful to teach him structure and discipline outside the home especially a few months before he starts preschool. The place I take him to is absolutely wonderful. When I told the instructor yesterday that I was pulling him out she told me not to, and instead told me to bring him back today for a 1 on 1 class. He seemed to do better yesterday when she briefly focused solely on him. So we’re going to try that out today.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

It sounds typical, but perhaps he needs more structure. I think sending him to preschool will help. He needs to learn to listen to directions from adults, particularly ones who are not his parents.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

I say totally normal. My DD was a NIGHTMARE around that age. She calmed down when she started Pre-k.

Re: 3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

3 year old hyperactive or just normal?

My friend refers to age 3 as “negotiating with the drunk girl on the bathroom floor crying over her ex” I haven’t hit 3, I’m not even at age 2 yet and I already, according to my kids doctor “look like I’ve been dragged through hell (she’s our good friend so I didn’t mind this but still!)”