Hello!

My daughter is 3 and has always been a very energetic child. Since she was 4 days old she has not stopped moving and tbh even in my belly she was unusually active (I’ve had 5 babies so I could tell the difference). She never sits still and it still takes us hours (bedtime is 8pm) most nights to get her to sleep, then she wakes up at least once in the night. I have a 1 year old son also and he is so calm and sleeps so well. Should I look at doctors or is this just normal for some toddlers?


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  • She doesn’t sound abnormal to me – I think she’s in the normal range of behaviour for kids her age. But if you’re at all worried, see a doctor; diagnosis can take years.


  • My daughter was the same, she was waking up cause she needed the toilet, calling out, too into a deep sleep to say so or walk to the toilet. Hubby used to get up take sleepyhead to the toilet. To this day she is extremely energetic. Up to you if you want to label the behaviour and medicate your child.


  • It’s definitely something that you could discuss with your GP if you have concerns. The usual peak time for ADHD is roughly around 7-8 years old. That’s when they usually get a diagnosis. You will have to see a paediatrician to be able to determine whether it’s ADHD or not. But definitely speak with GP f you have concerns


  • Take it to the pediatricians they know more better.


  • There is a definite possibility that she’s just a different child – this is normal for some kids. But also, it’s incredibly hard to tell. I’d definitely say talk to your GP or paeditrician, because early diagnosis and intervention can make a huge difference if there is a real problem. Good luck.


  • I just like you had one very calm child first and then my second was hyperactive and still is to this day (now 17)
    I believed my two kids were just different and so I didn’t really seek help until he was older. He definitely struggled in school and was not able to sit still etc. and I felt bad for not getting him help when he was younger.
    That being said when I finally did get him help all that was really offered was medication.
    We discussed the pros and cons with our son and he decided it wasn’t for him.
    Now today he has left school and he is running his own business, he works harder than any kid I’ve met his age, he’s got enough money ready to buy his first property.
    I guess my point here is that all that extra energy your child has can be seen as a gift.
    How you manage it at the moment is your decision and only yours. Seek support and advise from other parents, see a paediatrician and get a check up etc but remember to take it all as advice and you decide what’s best.
    These days any kid that can’t sit still is diagnosed with ADHD. Some do have it some don’t. You know your child better than any DR or friend. I was hyperactive as a child and grew out of it by primary school.
    Every child’s story will be so so different. Some times simple things like diet can help, avoid processed foods etc
    Anyway enough of me,
    Good luck with it. I am sure your child will grow into an amazing little person :)


  • Your kids are different, that’s not unusual. They re both healthy, that should be you focus


  • All children are different and I think you need to stop stressing there may be something wrong. I too suspect one of my girls has not ADHD but is on the Spectrum but I don’t want to label her and make her feel different when she is coping just fine….she is just a little different to everyone else.


  • All babies are different. I have a son who is exactly like this. He never, ever stops until he’s asleep. Even his mind is constantly on the go with question after question but he’s not ADHD. Having said that, if you’re worried it’s always better to seek advice from a professional.


  • No, these are definitely strong signs of ADHD. My eldest and I have ADHD, and you can definitely tell from how much more active they are in the womb. Do not listen to teachers or GPs – they will not know. Get yourself the DSM5 open, and when she is four you can get her tested by a psychologist without a referral. Do trust yourself and the criteria! Mum knows best!


  • If you’re concerned speak to your GP and her a referral to a paediatrician. I have 4 babies and all have different energy levels and personalities! Having lots of energy isn’t all there is to an ADHD diagnosis.


  • You could see a pediatrician who can then refer you elsewhere if needed. It’s unlikely they will diagnose that early but waitlists are years long for public so would be worth getting on lists now. But it can also be totally normal too!


  • I have a son who we are on a waiting list to get formally diagnosed. Honestly the waiting list is so long here in Tassie and I imagine similar times across Australia too, that it really wouldn’t hurt to start the process. You will probably need to get a referral to a paediatrician. If you go public that’s a waiting list.
    There are other signs to look for as well for instance, is she not just active but also has a short attention span? Is she able to focus on something and stay on task or does she lose interest quickly?


  • I would wait until she’s older. I don’t think diagnosis can be made til they’re older anyway.


  • I would suggest getting assessed at a paediatrician


  • I would definitely look at getting her assessed even if it is just for peace of mind. It will help both you and your child to know what is happening if she does have ADHD. I would contact your doctor to see if it is possible to get an assessment done or go on a wait list for the future.


  • Certainly when the father has ADHD, it may be good to have it checked out. ADHD can lead to learning pproblems and a lot of misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the behaviour which truly can lead to unhappiness and suffering under the symptoms. Now I know that not every one is pro medication but when my youngest was diagnosed with ADHD and we started medication, the difference was so huge that I regret I didn’t start earlier.


  • It never hurts to ask. Follow it up with your doctor.


  • If ever in any doubt as a mother; do indeed trust your gut and intuition and seek the services of a GP for a referral to a reputable professional. The right referral to an understanding professional can be a great benefit for the family and help to get answers and strategies.


  • I’m the Mum that asked the question. Thank you for your replies. I think I will take her to a Paediatrician. I didn’t say in the post but she is super intelligent and very advanced for her age, she is quick to learn and has the most amazing memory, her father has ADHD and I see so many similarities. He grew up undiagnosed and it really affected him in school and at home and I don’t want that for her.


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