Living with an Energetic Child: My Little One is Always on the Move

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Last night, my youngest son and I tackled the assembly of a rather complex bathroom cabinet that seemed to contain a million pieces. He doesn’t consult the instructions, nor does he feel overwhelmed by the task at hand like I do. Instead, he eagerly unwraps each component, meticulously organizes them (sorting is a must for him), and dives right in.

“Don’t worry, Mom, we can work this out,” he reassures me, glancing at the images, picking up various pieces, examining them closely, and then begins the assembly. He has developed a habit of cracking his knuckles as he pauses to contemplate his next move; it’s a quirk he’s picked up. Before this, he would pinch his neck, leaving marks, and prior to that, he had a tendency to suck on his fingers while fidgeting elsewhere. We’ve certainly made progress, so I don’t mind the incessant cracking.

Once again, he saved my sanity by assisting with this daunting task. I really shouldn’t be allowed to purchase items labeled “some assembly required,” but I can’t resist when I find a piece of furniture I love online, knowing he will relish the challenge. Together, we’ve built a desk, dresser, two cabinets, and a chair — with only minimal swearing on my part.

Every day, this boy astounds me with his humor and intelligence. He is kind-hearted and remarkably bright, yet he is in constant motion. At times, this can be incredibly frustrating, and I have to remind myself to stay calm.

The support from his teachers has been invaluable. They were the ones who first recognized that he needs movement to reach his full learning potential. They provided him with a large, bouncy ball to sit on during class, and now students are allowed to chew gum and use fidgets, like stress balls, to channel their energy without disrupting the class. This newfound support has greatly benefited my son, and me as well. Although he still requires gentle reminders to focus, his impulse control has improved significantly, and I owe much of this to the educators who helped me realize that his restlessness isn’t misbehavior but a struggle to manage his need for movement. I have implemented their strategies at home, which has made a notable difference.

When we attend sports events — a regular activity since his older siblings are involved — he often dreads sitting still for extended periods. We never leave home without a stress ball, gum, and a book. While he still squirms, he finds comfort in chewing gum and squeezing the ball as if it were a lifeline. Interestingly, wearing a coat seems to provide him with additional comfort, and he occasionally chooses to wear his winter coat to bed for that soothing effect.

Even during eagerly anticipated trips to the movies, he needs a fidget in hand along with his snacks. I often watch him engrossed in the film while simultaneously squeezing the ball. On the rare occasions we forget it, I can see how much harder it is for him to settle down and truly enjoy the experience.

Long car rides used to be a nightmare until I learned that he needed a way to move, even while safely strapped into his seat. When doing homework, he sometimes has to walk around or swivel on a stool to concentrate effectively. He also enjoys bouncing on large exercise balls.

I’ve come to understand that many children are naturally fidgety. Just because my son requires different coping mechanisms than his older siblings, who can sit still effortlessly, doesn’t mean he’s “bad.” All kids have an innate need for movement; they thrive on rolling down hills, climbing, running, jumping, and dancing. My son simply requires more physical activity than most.

If you’re parenting an energetic child who can’t seem to sit still, you’re likely familiar with the stress that can arise. I often feel guilty when his fidgeting pushes me to my limit, knowing that he can’t control it. No amount of biking or playing tag seems to satisfy his need for motion; he just has to be active while he’s awake.

Movement and memory are interconnected. My son learns best through hands-on experiences rather than passive observation, so I’ve learned to be patient and to allow him to discover his own learning style. The great news is that I’ll always have a little helper when I impulsively decide to shop at IKEA.

For further reading on related topics, check out this blog post and this resource for insights into pregnancy and home insemination. You can also find expert advice at Make a Mom about home insemination kits.

In summary, navigating life with a hyperactive child presents unique challenges, yet understanding their need for movement can transform the experience for both parent and child.