Some Answers

At Matthew's pediatric appointment today I managed to ask the doctor about Joshua. He wouldn't sit still and was running all over the exam room and just going crazy. I asked him if this was normal behavior for a three year old since the only experience I have with other three year olds (or close there of) is with children that are clingy, whiny, aren't adventurous, or willing to be further than three feet from his/her parents. Joshua on the other hand is wild...he will not stay near me for the most part and will take off to sites unseen on a whim. He is not afraid of anything and has absolutely no fear. We've also had serious sleep issues since he was an infant. Well, the pediatrician looked at me and said...there are two types of three year olds...those that don't require much because their energy level is lower and then there are those that require a lot because they have an over abundance of energy. His advice...have him do jumping jacks, lunges, squats, walk four miles a day (not in a stroller...him walking), until he's ready to just about puke. Sounds harsh, right? Well, I have a child with an over abundance of energy. It can be 10pm and he is still going strong and will be awake at 5:30am ready to face the day. He is always on the go, so I figure we will be hitting either the back acres or when the weather really gets nice...the park after Daddy gets home and I'll have him walk/run the track with me...maybe he can start doing the jumping jacks, squats, and lunges with me for my morning workouts. Maybe then our bedtime routine will start working and he'll fall asleep at a decent hour and in his own bed. I think I will start tomorrow...it's the 1st of February and I will do it for a month and see how he changes over time with the activity that will wear him out as the pediatrician advised. Mind you...if your child is one with an abundance of energy...ask your pediatrician before doing this. Each child is different and may require something else. Everyone always mentioned ADD and that he probably needs meds...when it very well could be just way more activity so lets start there and see what the pediatrician says when I take Matthew back in April. I can let him know if anything has changed with Joshua.