Last night, my youngest son and I tackled the assembly of a bathroom cabinet with what felt like a million pieces. Unlike me, he doesn’t get flustered by instructions. Instead, he eagerly unwraps the components, meticulously organizes them (sorting is a must), and dives in.
“We can figure this out, Mom,” he assures me confidently, glancing at the diagrams, selecting pieces, and analyzing each one before beginning the construction. As he pauses to strategize, he cracks his knuckles—his newest habit. Previously, he had a tendency to pinch his neck, leaving bruises, and before that, he would suck on his fingers while engaging in more inappropriate behaviors. We’ve certainly made progress, so I don’t mind the constant knuckle-cracking.
Thanks to him, I managed to keep my sanity intact while assembling this monster. I really should avoid buying items labeled “some assembly required,” but when I find a piece of furniture online that I adore, I know he’ll be enthusiastic to help. Together, we’ve built desks, dressers, cabinets, and even a chair (with minimal swearing on my part).
This boy never ceases to amaze me with his quick wit and humor. He’s intelligent and caring, yet his boundless energy can be overwhelming at times, testing my patience.
His teachers have been invaluable in this journey. They were the ones to first suggest that he requires movement to learn effectively. They provided him with a bouncy ball to sit on during lessons, allowed gum chewing in class, and offered “fidgets” like stress balls. These tools have made a significant difference for him, and for me as well. Although he still needs reminders to focus, his impulse control has improved, and I’m grateful for the educators who helped me understand that he’s not being defiant; he just struggles to contain his urge to move. I’ve adopted their strategies at home, and the results have been remarkable.
When we attend sporting events—something we do frequently due to his older siblings—he finds sitting still for hours to be torturous. We never leave home without a stress ball, gum, and a book. While he still squirms, chewing gum and squeezing the ball helps him manage his restlessness. He even finds comfort in wearing a coat, sometimes opting for his winter coat in bed.
At the movies, even if it’s a film he’s been eagerly anticipating, he still requires a fidget in his hands along with his snacks. I observe him get lost in the film while squeezing his ball. When we forget it, I can see how much harder it is for him to relax and enjoy himself, even with something he’s excited about.
Long car rides used to be a nightmare until I realized he needs some way to move while strapped in. During homework, he often has to get up or swivel on his stool to concentrate. He enjoys bouncing on large exercise balls too.
I’ve learned that many children are fidgety, and just because my son needs to approach things differently than his older siblings—who can sit still without issue—doesn’t make him a “bad” kid. Every child craves movement; they enjoy tumbling, climbing, running, and dancing. My son simply requires more activity than most.
For parents of energetic children, it can be incredibly stressful. I often feel guilty when his restlessness pushes me to my limits, knowing he can’t help it. No amount of biking or tag games can satisfy his need to move while he’s awake.
There’s a strong connection between movement and memory. My son learns best through hands-on activities rather than passive observation, and I’ve realized the importance of being patient and allowing him to absorb knowledge in his unique way. The silver lining is that I’ll always have a willing little helper for any spontaneous IKEA purchases.
If you’re navigating parenting a fidgety child, remember that you’re not alone. For more insights into fertility and parenting, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy Medical News Today or explore Donor Profiles for more information. And if you’re looking for tips on enhancing fertility, consider this fertility booster for men.
Summary:
Navigating life with an energetic child can be challenging, but understanding their unique needs is key. With the right support and tools, parents can help their children thrive while embracing their boundless energy.