How do you stay calm when they are wild and hyperactive?

[MittensKittens]

The title says it all! My three year old DD goes into "wild fits" frequently. It starts with a certain giggle, then she starts running around and basically, much like a tornado, being a danger to anything that gets in her way, including herself. The only way to stop it seems to be either grabbing her and holding her tight, which results in unhappiness, or shouting, which results in more unhapiness. I know all three year olds get wild at times, but this is happening pretty much all day long. When at home, it is manageable, but when we are out somewhere it is a bit, well, trying . Any suggestions on how I can deal with this?

[BellinghamCrunchie]

As much as possible, it helps to try to match your child's mood. If she is having a period of being silly and energetic, go outside and become silly and energetic yourself.

I think those high activity/crazy periods are expressing a need. Even our kitten gets like that at least 3 times a day. If you try to suppress it, it will come out somewhere else. As much as you can channel it into safe behavior of the same energy level, your child's need will get met.

Sometimes when a child gets gleefully and energetically silly when they're out, it seems to be the newness of the environment (like the old phrase "a kid let loose in an candy store" only the candy store is the excitement of a different environment). This is harder to deal with and the only thing I could do with DD was leave when she got that goofy, unless I could strap her into the shopping cart or a stroller for a few minutes. The solution is go to the place more frequently so that its not so new. That can be hard!

You can preempt the nuttiness by have scheduled high-energy activities. Try to get outside at least once in the morning and once after nap. If not more. Play chase, run around, get a trampoline (if you feel its not a death trap - my DD got hers at 18 months and I'm not sure how we would have survived without it - its AMAZING for running off energy).

[mamazee]

I agree with tiring her out. #2 is giving high-protein snacks. And then just trying to relax about it - you said "a danger to everything in her path - including herself" - but how much of a danger, really? Let her burn it out of her system if at all possible. "Doing something about it" usually just escalates things.

[lness]

Can she be sent (or taken) outside then? Maybe with a ball, or some other active toys? The trampoline (PP) sounds like a good idea too, pretty sure every kid ever born loves them!

[_betsy_]

High protein breakfasts - hardboiled eggs are the big thing right now - really help for DD1. And wearing her out works wonders.

Also, making sure she's in the right frame of mind, her needs are met, etc. when going to a store or wherever you ned to go is great, if you have the luxury of putting things off till a better day.

[One_Girl]

I bring my dd out a lot and make sure she gets a lot of excercise and wild play in outdoor spaces. I also have had her in swimming lessons since she was four. It really helps to have places for her to get out her energy.

[h4ppyphant0m]

Originally Posted by mamazee

#2 is giving high-protein snacks.

I am sure this is a silly question, but why high protein? And what are some of your fav. high protein snacks?

[MittensKittens]

Thanks for your replies. I will try with the high protein foods, hadn't thought of that.

The danger is mainly to her baby brother who is crawling. In her enthusiasm, DD can throw stuff at him, be rough with him etc. I would really like to give DS the chance to roam the house freely without worrying his sister will hurt him. I love the way they interact and play together already, but a lot of the time I end up carrying around DS all day long, and I'd like for him to be able to play on the floor.

[mamazee]

Originally Posted by h4ppyphant0m

I am sure this is a silly question, but why high protein? And what are some of your fav. high protein snacks?

I've noticed that high protein snacks (and breakfast as said by a pp) = fewer mood swings. Fewer tantrums. Better day altogether.

Favorite high-protein snacks:

Hard boiled eggs
Cheese
Lunch meat (Boar's Head makes some without additives)
Leftovers - I keep leftover chicken in the fridge for snacks
Nuts and peanut butter
Hummus

The biggest thing for my dd is having some protein with every meal and snack - not that it has to be all protein or anything like that. Like an apple and some nuts. Though breakfast is the most protein-rich meal around here. Eggs, protein-rich smoothies (like with tofu or something to add some protein), etc.

[DianeMarie]

Take her outside and have her run wind sprints??