Boys!

Awww, I can see why you're worried.
Kind of got me worried too as Mac is only 7 weeks old and unless he's asleep then he isn't still. LOL

Can you perhaps try to start playing some games with him where the object of the game is to move slowly? Refine his fine motor skills.
I think with boys getting them into a game that might be considered "slow and boring" could be hard but if you make it competitive, they may show more interest.
Perhaps insist that he has to play a slow quiet game before he's allowed to play a fast loud game, then he might see that being slow and steady can get him something he wants.

Sorry, that kind of just turned into babble. But what I'm saying is, encourage him to do "slow and steady" stuff then rewarding him with the faster paced stuff.

Also, can you get him to walk a bit slower at home if you're holding his hands? I figure if you're holding him he can't take off. Just to bring in the idea of moving slower and again building on his fine motor skills so he doesn't always fall over, etc.
Maybe introduce the idea of inside and outside behaviour. Walking inside, running is for outside.

When he hurts himself, do you explain to him that the injury could have been avoided if he'd just been a bit slower and more careful? I know he's only 16 or so months old but he may start understanding the concept.

Sorry, these are just ideas that are popping into my head and I'm just firing them out there. I've done a bit of study of child development and behaviour so trying to think along those lines.

If he's never shown the advantages to "slow and steady" then he'll always go for the faster option.

Don't know if thats any help what-so-ever.

Oh god. 56 views and two replies....

Some great ideas Mum2Mac. I guess we have to start being more consistent. He's definately better at gross motor skills than fine. But he seems amped by nature, so I dunno how we'll slow him down. All the possible injuries worry me constantly. But mostly I am concerned he will lose an eye or a tooth.

T_Rex.... what can I say....

kiwilaurie wrote: And is this a sign of ADHD? I know they can't even begin to try to diagnose till much older, and that doesn't worry me, but just wondering.....

No no no no. Sorry but he is way way too young to start "labeling". I think it is generally an age thing and perhaps even a boy thing. My girl on the other hand has always been very fast. Never did that waddly walking thing. One day she gave 3 steps and I am not lieing the next day she was running. Luckily she just got better at it and never really got hurt.

We did use a harness while out so she doesnt just run in traffic and it stopped her from face planting with the pavement.

Saying "be careful" doesnt mean anything to a child. Rather say go slower. Lets practice mouse walking and then go tippy toe tippy toe ect. Or when he is climbing rather say remember to hold on tight with your hands ect.

Boys says it all...mine has just been racing me to the power socket...I've removed him 10 times! now he's going for the back door.

My brother was crazy & didn't slow down until he could get into active sports.

Grin & bear it along with the rest of us

one thing I read somewhere was not to say things like "be careful, you'll fall" etc as often that is exactly what happens. They are cruising along nicely and suddenly you put the thought of falling into their heads and bang, thats what happens.

Instead you are meant to try and tell them what TO do...eg, hold on tight, walk slowly, remember to hol don with your hands etc.

I have to do this with Tom when he decides he can climb ANY ladder on the playground...and he can. I end up standing there reminding him "step up, reach up, step up, reach up...thats good, hold on, well done "...sh*t its tiring!

My wee man is also a bundle of energy though we haven't ended up in hospital ... yet! I think it is probably more luck than anything!!! He has got better as he has got older and he does listen and respond 99% of the time when I say 'slowly' or something along those lines. He will also now hold my hand but has only done that for a few months.

Before that it was really stressful cos you can't avoid particular situations because every situation is exciting and a game for him. I understand where you are coming from and for us persistence (reinforcing 'slowly' etc) and, probably most of all, time. As much as possible I try to be really relaxed and encourage him to pick himself up without fretting too much - that has taken practice!

Mainly a boy thing I think, though I have come across a few girls who are similar too.

Mum2Mac wrote: No, I don't think it's a sign of ADHD, and personally I've never really believed that ADHD exists. Usually it's teachers that stick that label on kids when the problem is that the teacher can only teach in one way and the child requires a different kind of teaching IYKWIM. .

It certainly does exist and can be a very isolating illness. I cared for a boy with severe ADHD and it was heartbreaking to watch as the illness made him so different from his peers he couldnt relate to them and they couldnt relate to him. He had very little friends and was very lonely. Very common it people with ADHD.

Agree with Smoody though hun, far too early to be even thinking about stuff like that!!!!!!!

Sounds just like my nephew, he has calmed down a bit now apparently ( he is 8) now that he is playing sport regularily.

Pfft, he runs dangerously! WTF are you supposed to do about the way he runs????? Some people need to think before they speak!!!

melnel wrote: Mum2Mac wrote: No, I don't think it's a sign of ADHD, and personally I've never really believed that ADHD exists. Usually it's teachers that stick that label on kids when the problem is that the teacher can only teach in one way and the child requires a different kind of teaching IYKWIM. . It certainly does exist and can be a very isolating illness. I cared for a boy with severe ADHD and it was heartbreaking to watch as the illness made him so different from his peers he couldnt relate to them and they couldnt relate to him. He had very little friends and was very lonely. Very common it people with ADHD. Agree with Smoody though hun, far too early to be even thinking about stuff like that!!!!!!! Sounds just like my nephew, he has calmed down a bit now apparently ( he is 8) now that he is playing sport regularily. Pfft, he runs dangerously! WTF are you supposed to do about the way he runs????? Some people need to think before they speak!!!

Sorry to threadjack, but... I know ADHD makes it hard to focus, I sure do remember that (in fact I still have a ridiculously short attention span sometimes) but does it really make it harder for kids to relate to other kids? That would certainly explain my entire childhood...

my aidan was always running everywhere! never walked and too has had a few head injury's. His preschool also commented on him as they were worried about all the head trauma he's had
I can't say he has slowed down but has started to look where he is going and he has learned to run 'better' then before

I hope jackson slows down for you or once he learns to run better he won't keep getting injured

My sisters boy has ADHD and he doesn't tear around like an idiot so I don't think it would be any indication.

I have one boy who was/is very careful, took a while to walk, will sit happily for ages and play quietly. I have another who decided walking was for losers and running like and idiot is much more fun and hey if you headbutt some furniture in the process all the better, he never stops, never sits still, is constantly into everything and doesn't think before he acts. I.e thinks that he is stable enough to walk down the back steps! or standing up on the arm of the sofa is a great idea, of course why not the dog is sleeping on the floor and will break his fall right?

He is totally normal, some kids are more bull in a china shop than others, it's his personality and it's fine. Probably just means we have boys who will get into extreme sports